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Race Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Assembly Technician-Dewitts

Wixom, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

AFCO Performance Group continues to build on over 40 years of manufacturing experience with quality performance products, racing engineering innovation, and superior service and support. We believe ...

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Race Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$83.5K

$111.1K

How much do race engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for race engineer in Michigan is $83,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $101,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a race engineer?

Race Engineers are specialized professionals in motorsport who are responsible for optimizing the performance of a race car and supporting the driver during races and testing sessions. They analyze data, communicate with the driver about car behavior, and make adjustments to the car’s setup to improve speed, handling, and reliability. Race Engineers also coordinate with mechanics and other technical staff to ensure the car operates at its best. Their role is crucial in strategizing race tactics and responding to real-time conditions during competitions.

How does a race engineer typically collaborate with drivers and the rest of the racing team during a race weekend?

A Race Engineer plays a central role in communication between the driver and the technical team throughout a race weekend. They work closely with the driver to analyze performance data, discuss feedback, and make real-time adjustments to car setup for optimal performance. Collaboration extends to mechanics, data analysts, and strategists to ensure that all changes are implemented efficiently and that the car complies with regulations. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential, as decisions often need to be made quickly under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a race engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Race Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, data analysis, and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, often supported by an engineering degree. Familiarity with telemetry systems, data acquisition software, and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Pi Toolbox is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to perform well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure optimal vehicle performance, effective driver support, and quick decision-making during critical race situations.

What is the difference between Race Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectRace Engineer
Primary RoleOptimizes vehicle performance through real-time data analysis and adjustments during races.
Required SkillsMechanical knowledge, telemetry analysis, communication skills, racing regulations understanding.
Work EnvironmentRace tracks, engineering teams, high-pressure situations.
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, motorsport-specific training.

While a Race Engineer focuses on vehicle performance during races, a Data Engineer primarily manages and builds data systems for organizations. Both roles require technical expertise, but Race Engineers work directly with racing teams and vehicles, whereas Data Engineers work with data infrastructure across industries. They share some technical skills but serve different functions within their respective fields.

How much do race engineers make?

Race engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, team size, and the level of motorsport. Senior race engineers working with top teams or in Formula 1 can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000, with additional bonuses and benefits. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of vehicle systems, and often a background in engineering or mechanics.

How to get a job as a race engineer?

To become a race engineer, candidates typically need a background in engineering, mechanics, or a related field, along with experience in motorsport or automotive environments. Developing skills in data analysis, telemetry systems, and communication is essential, and internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable hands-on experience. Certifications in automotive technology or motorsport engineering can also improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Race Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Race Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Race Engineer job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,495 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Ford Racing Motorsports Powertrain Calibration Engineer

Allen Park, MI • On-site

Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$65K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Develop, test, and deliver powertrain controls and calibrations for racing vehicles, supporting global motorsport programs.

  • Support hardware selection, engine mapping, and modifications of control strategies to meet vehicle attributes across various racing series.

  • Create simulation environments for HiL, SiL, and DiL testing, and support track testing as required.


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 528 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description


Racing is where our story began.
In 1901, Henry Ford climbed into a car he built himself-"Sweepstakes"-and beat America's most famous driver. He wasn't a racer, but he had to win. He did. Ford Motor Company was born from that victory.
That fighting spirit lives on in Ford Racing today. We're the engineers, strategists, and competitors who bring Ford's track-tested edge into every vehicle we build. Every track, every stage, every proving ground-that's where we prove ourselves.
The result: one of the world's most iconic brands, legendary nameplates, and a team unmatched in the industry.
Our mantra: Race to win, engineer to lead.
If you're a competitor, innovator, or performance obsessive, Ford Racing is where you belong. Help us write the next chapter.
In this position...
You will help develop, test and deliver world class powertrain controls and calibrations used to power our teams to race wins and championships across the globe. This role will primarily focus on supporting the Mustang GT3 and GT4 global motorsport programs across multiple racing series including, but not limited to, IMSA, WEC, SRO, NLS and DTM.
This is a hybrid role requiring at least 4 days per week in the Allen Park, MI office.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Gasoline engine calibration and controls development for both professional and customer racing vehicles.
  • Dynamometer & track-based hardware selection support and engine mapping with multiple engine control systems such as production Ford, Bosch Motorsports, MoTeC, New Eagle, etc.
  • Develop simulation environments for HiL (Hardware in the loop), SiL (Software in the loop) and DiL (Driver in the loop) testing.
  • Support track testing as required.
  • Perform modifications of production control strategies as required to meet vehicle attributes.
  • Innovation of new technologies allowable within the boundaries imposed by appropriate race sanctioning bodies.
  • Support various programs such as LMDh, GT3, GT4, and Off-Road.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or an equivalent technical degree.
  • Minimum of 2+ years of experience with simulation and coding in MATLAB & Simulink, development, testing, and validation of control system algorithms and calibrations.
  • Must hold or be eligible for a passport. International and Domestic travel will be required.

Even better, you may have...
  • Experience with AVL Puma, AVL Concerto, AVL Indicom.
  • Experience using Bosch Motorsport, Motec, Cosworth and Mclaren Hardware and Software.
  • Experience with ATI Vision and Ford production powertrain control strategies.
  • Proficiency in C#, Python, MATLAB, VBA, or an equivalent programming language.
  • Formula SAE experience very highly preferred.
  • Possess a competitive spirt, can-do attitude, and interest in professional and amateur Motorsports at a technical level.
  • Strong team player, ability to work with multiple suppliers, and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with high responsibility.
  • Detail oriented self-starter and problem solver.

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more.
  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Established and active employee resource groups.
  • Paid time off for individual and team community service.
  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 5 - salary grade 8 and ranges from $65,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #FR1 #LI-LC2

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