Race Engineer

Also called: Performance Engineer, Data Engineer (racing)

Uses data and engineering to set up race cars for maximum speed.

A day in the life

They analyze sensor data from every lap, adjust suspension and aerodynamics, and talk to the driver on the radio. Between races they run simulations. Charlotte, NC is the hub of US motorsports engineering.

Pay over a career

Starting
$70k
Typical
$110k
High
$200k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in mechanical or motorsports engineering; Formula SAE experience is key.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Mechanical Engineering, Motorsports Engineering, Aerospace Engineering.

Outlook

Growing about average. Competitive niche.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. Simulation and AI optimize setups and strategy; engineering judgment with drivers at the track stays human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Auto tech CTE.

Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2141.

More Racing: Motorsports & Equestrian careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.