CFD Engineer

Overview

Who we are

TRD inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans, Toyota team members, customers, and the driving public. We are dedicated to advancing automotive engineering and maximizing racetrack success. We partner with the finest race teams and drivers who share our passion, and our actions foster an atmosphere of excellence. In our pursuit of becoming the most respected and premier motorsports engineering organization in the world, we are looking for highly motivated applicants for our available positions. 

TRD is seeking a highly skilled CFD Engineer with hands-on experience in motorsports applications to support the design and development of high-performance race cars. This role requires proficiency in creating complex 3D geometry using CATIA, generating high-quality meshes and simulations in Star CCM+, and delivering meaningful aerodynamic insights through data analysis. You will be an integral part of the aerodynamic development cycle, working closely with design, race engineering, and trackside performance groups.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models of aerodynamic components and assemblies using CATIA V5/V6.
• Prepare, mesh, and set up CFD simulations in Star CCM+, including steady-state and transient analyses as required.
• Apply best practices for meshing and solver settings to ensure accuracy and efficiency of simulations.
• Analyze CFD results using both Star CCM+ post-processing tools and external data processing scripts (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Evaluate aerodynamic performance metrics including downforce, drag, pressure distributions, flow structures, and cooling performance.
• Provide clear and concise reports and visualizations to support design decisions and development direction.
• Work collaboratively with other engineering groups (aero design, mechanical, trackside, and performance) to interpret results and recommend actionable improvements.
• Maintain documentation of CFD case setup, modeling assumptions, and results for traceability and validation.
• Contribute to validation and correlation efforts using wind tunnel or on-track data.
• Support rapid design iteration and optimization in a fast-paced development environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of CFD experience in a motorsports, aerospace, or automotive setting (F1, NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, WEC, etc. preferred).
• Experience in CATIA V5/V6 or similar for geometry creation and model cleanup.
• Experience with commercial CFD software (Star-CCM+ preferred), with working knowledge of the CAD-to-solution workflow including meshing, setup, and post-processing..
• Solid understanding of vehicle aerodynamics, with a foundational grasp of fluid dynamics, turbulence modeling, and boundary layer theory.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and evolving requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex data to non-CFD stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with aerodynamic development for race cars (open wheel, sports cars, or stock cars).
• Familiarity with wind tunnel testing, correlation techniques, and track data interpretation.
• Programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, or Java for automation and data processing.
• Experience using PLM tools and managing simulation data in an enterprise environment.
• Knowledge of optimization tools (e.g., adjoint, DOE, or genetic algorithms) is a plus.

What we’ll bring:

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include: 

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect. 
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement. 
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount. 
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable). 
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family. 
• Flexible work options based on business needs. 
•  Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute. 
• Paid holidays and paid time off. 
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more 
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA).

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [email protected].