F1 Performance Engineer – Open Application

In Formula 1, the decisions that matter are made before the car leaves the garage. Once parc fermé closes, the setup is fixed, so the work happens earlier: on models, in the simulator and in the data. For 2026, that work has new variables, with active aero modes and a new energy deployment picture to understand and exploit.

Models can forecast and simulate. Knowing when to trust them, and when the driver or the data is telling you something the model has missed, is still an experienced human call. That judgement is what this role is about.

We are talking confidentially with Formula 1 teams in the UK, Europe and the USA who need performance engineers. If that is the work you already do, we would like to talk.

The role in brief:

• Vehicle performance analysis and setup optimisation, at the track and back at the factory.
• Lap time simulation, vehicle models and correlation of simulation to track.
• Driver in the loop simulator preparation and running.
• Tyre performance, energy management and the 2026 aero and power unit trade-offs.
• Working between aero, vehicle dynamics, race engineering and strategy to turn data into decisions.

Key requirements:

• Formula 1 or top-level motorsport performance experience. F1 race team or power unit experience is the priority. Strong WEC hypercar, Formula E or senior single-seater backgrounds will be considered.
• Vehicle dynamics fundamentals. A sound grasp of tyres, suspension, aero balance and how they interact on the car.
• Simulation and data tools. Lap time simulation, vehicle modelling and data analysis, with coding in Python, MATLAB or similar.
• Judgement under pressure. Clear recommendations on limited running and tight timelines, and the confidence to challenge a model when the evidence says so.
• Communication. Able to talk to drivers, race engineers and designers in their own language.
• Education. A degree in mechanical, automotive or aeronautical engineering, physics or mathematics, or equivalent experience. A Master's or PhD is common but not essential.
• Mobility. Trackside roles involve international travel through the season. Factory-based roles are also available.

How the process works:

• A confidential first conversation about your experience, what you want next and what would genuinely make a move worthwhile. Your current employer is never contacted, and nothing goes to a team without your agreement.
• An honest read of the market where you sit, which programmes are building and what each opportunity really offers. Sometimes the honest answer is that your current role is still the right one.
• A targeted introduction. We brief the team on you and brief you on the team: the people, the programme and what success looks like in the first season.
• Interviews prepared and managed. Technical interviews and assessments explained in advance, with feedback after every stage.
• Offer, notice and start date. We understand F1 notice periods and gardening leave and plan around them, from offer and resignation through to your first day.
• We work F1 hours, not nine to five. Evenings, weekends or the Monday after a race, we talk when you can.

Start a confidential conversation. Book a confidential career review with Scarlett. Talk to Nichola Hedges about the role. Call +44 (0) 1277 354469 or email recruit@tiroassociates.com.

Tiro Associates. Specialist F1 and motorsport engineering headhunters, founded in 2000, acting as an employment agency for permanent roles. Technical expertise, humanised approach.