POSITION TITLE:
Vice President of Competition, Race Engineering
REPORTS TO:
SVP, INDYCAR Competition & Operations
LOCATION:
Indianapolis, IN
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full-Time
ABOUT US
At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
- INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
- IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
- Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.
Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
As the Vice President of Competition and Race Engineering for America’s premier open-wheel racing series, you will drive INDYCAR’s engineering and technological vision to deliver the best racing product possible. In collaboration with key stakeholders, you will take a balanced and strategic approach to strengthen the series, cultivate internal and external relationships, communicate a clear vision for progress and growth, and foster a culture of high performance across the organization.
The Vice President, Race Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping all aspects of INDYCAR’s vehicle performance strategy, race engineering operations, and on-track technical integrity. This individual will lead the Race Engineering function—integrating data science, simulation, testing, and applied engineering—to ensure competitive, safe, and captivating racing throughout the series.
Serving as INDYCAR’s central technical voice, the VP will work closely with teams, manufacturers, and suppliers to align technical direction and sporting regulations with the series’ goals. This role will also play a key part in developing future engineering initiatives, including the design, development, and integration of INDYCAR’s next-generation chassis planned for 2028—keeping the series innovative, relevant, and at the forefront of global motorsport technology.
This position requires exceptional leadership, deep technical expertise in open-wheel racing, and a forward-thinking approach to performance innovation and regulatory excellence.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as a senior engineering authority in regulatory discussions regarding chassis, powertrain, hybrid systems, aerodynamics, tires, dampers, and other vehicle components.
- Work with the SVP, Competition and the Director of Engineering to define long-term technical roadmaps, including input into future vehicle platforms and R&D initiatives.
- Act as INDYCAR’s primary technical liaison to race teams, OEMs and suppliers (e.g., Dallara, Firestone, BBS).
- Chair technical working groups to ensure transparency and collaboration on key performance issues.
- Manages relationships with all specified equipment Suppliers associated with the car and related technical support.
- Provide objective, engineering-based insights that guide rulemaking and technical bulletins.
- Fosters a culture that reflects the organization’s values, encourages superior performance, and rewards productivity.
- Evaluates the organization and staff performance on a regular basis.
- Creates annual operating plans that support strategic direction set by the SVP and correlates with annual operating budgets.
- Directly supports the establishment or renewal process for all Supplier and Manufacturer agreements or contracts.
- Provides direction and oversight on the development of future chassis, engine, aerodynamic, and technical initiatives.
- Maintains ongoing aggressive efforts to enhance safety technologies.
- Develops future leadership within the organization.
WHAT YOU BRING
We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.
Required Experience & Skills:
- 10+ years in senior engineering roles within top-tier motorsports (e.g., INDYCAR, F1, IMSA, WEC, or NASCAR), including experience managing technical programs or race engineering.
- In-depth knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, powertrain systems, and race operations.
- Strong team leadership and interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate complex technical ideas across various stakeholder levels.
- Proven senior leadership experience in motorsport engineering, ideally in open-wheel racing.
- Strong understanding of sporting and technical regulations, with the ability to balance innovation, competition, and cost control.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with manufacturers, suppliers, and teams.
- Experience in simulation, data science, testing, and applied engineering for performance development.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of articulating a clear vision to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strategic, forward-looking mindset with the ability to guide long-term projects, including major platform shifts (e.g., chassis or powertrain programs).
- Commitment to safety, integrity, and the highest standards of competition.
- Executive level writing and analytical skills
- Willingness to live in Indianapolis or the surrounding communities
- Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
- Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Motorsports Engineering, or related field.
Leadership:
- This position has supervisory responsibility for a minimum of (2) full-time employees.
FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL
- Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Extended hours required during race weekends and key event periods (especially May)
- This position requires travel to all race events during the INDYCAR Series racing season as well as occasional additional travel requirements. Flexibility and adaptability are key skills needed for this role.
- Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Extended periods of standing or walking (as needed)
- Comfort working indoors/outdoors and around event noise
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Fast-paced, collaborative office and event settings
- Outdoors at race events and other functions
BENEFITS & PERKS
We take care of our team with a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%
- Paid vacation, personal, and sick days + 12 paid holidays
- Generous paid parental leave and tuition assistance
- On-site fitness center and wellness programs
- Discounts on meals, gear, and more
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.
