About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company
Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.
You will lead wind tunnel and track-focused activities that include test planning, directing test article preparation, execution, data analysis, reporting and implementation of findings into race vehicle specifications and into simulation tools. Working closely with the internal team of Aero/CFD/Design Engineers and Fabricators along with team resources, you will employ and develop the most modern methods available.
You will have the opportunity to lead various areas of an aerodynamic development program from design specification, conceptual layout, component optimization, physical realization, through on-track performance verification. This position is in the Motorsports NASCAR Program at the Huntersville, NC Pratt Miller location and will include local travel for team visits as well as overnight travel for track testing and race attendance as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS : Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Lead interface between Pratt Miller aerodynamics group and supported NASCAR race teams to develop and communicate aero targets, performance and development needs (including toolset improvements)
Lead the development of targets and integration of aerodynamics into broader vehicle for system performance optimization for NASCAR applications (e.g., ensuring the proper implementation of aerodynamic models into full vehicle simulations through development and maintenance of aeromaps)
Organize wind tunnel test planning, coordination, execution and analysis to ensure successful tests.
Lead aero perspective of track testing (planning, preparation, execution, analysis).
Work with Aerodynamic Specification Lead to incorporate aerodynamic developments into actionable team vehicle builds and to confirm proper maintenance of body build specifications with built-in test traceability.
Develop, communicate, and implement aerodynamic instrumentation needs for wind tunnel and track testing.
Focus on the real-world aerodynamic performance of race vehicles through correlation efforts to improve CFD, wind tunnel simulations and aerodynamic models
Perform aerodynamic and thermal analyses using a variety of tools (empirical and numerical) and synthesize alternatives
Report and communicate findings to customers in a clear, concise and timely manner
Develop concepts and aero surfaces for CFD, wind tunnel and track testing
Work with Pratt Miller manufacturing, model making, electronics, software, and race operations groups to complete projects to a high standard
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, tasks relating to the following area will be assigned as required.
Ability to perform, thrive, and push all levels of specialists to work in a dynamic and fast-paced, professional team environment
Attention to time management
Ability to communicate on various platforms (Teams, email, text message, phone calls)
Must adhere to work schedule with reliable attendance
Strong work ethic and pride in workmanship
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required
Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred
Minimum of 6 years professional motorsport or automotive aerodynamics experience
DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Wind tunnel test planning, execution, and data analysis experience required
Understanding of aerodynamics as an integral part of overall race vehicle performance
Conceptual and technical understanding of motorsports aerodynamics with ability to develop from first…