Combustion Development Engineer – Predictive CFD Simulation

Our Team

The new team has three locations. The Motorsport Competence Center of Audi in Neuburg (Germany) is considered one of the most modern of its kind in Europe. The Formula 1 factory of Audi Motorsport AG in Hinwil (Switzerland) is known for its innovative technologies and passion for racing. The Audi Motorsport Technology Center in UK is in its launch phase and growing continuously. Our Power Unit comes from Neuburg, while Hinwil is responsible for the development of the chassis and race operations.

What you need? The mindset of an athlete. If you are someone for whom giving up isn’t an option and limits are just something to be overcome, you can bring Vorsprung durch Technik to Formula 1 with us. Become part of this unique project and make motorsport history.

This position is to be filled at Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg (Germany).

As a Development Engineer in the field of 3D CFD combustion, you are responsible for the development and optimization of the combustion process of the Audi Formula 1 power unit. By leveraging state-of-the-art 3D CFD methodologies, you will develop predictive simulation approaches for the design of future hardware and combustion process concepts, pushing the performance of the internal combustion engine to its physical limits under the most demanding conditions in the pinnacle of motorsport.

You will work at the interface between simulation, testing, fuel development, and data analysis. Your role includes developing robust simulation methods, correlating virtual and experimental results, and applying modern HPC, automation, and AI techniques to accelerate development cycles and unlock new potentials in combustion processes.

Your Mission

• Development and optimization of combustion processes using high-resolution 3D CFD simulations
• Thermodynamic design and analysis of gas exchange, mixture formation, ignition, combustion and heat transfer
• Development and application of predictive simulation methods for evaluating future combustion process and hardware concepts
• Independent planning, execution, and evaluation of 3D CFD simulations, including technical interpretation and derivation of development measures
• Development and validation of models for direct injection, turbulent combustion, knock prediction, ignition, and heat transfer
• Establishment and maintenance of correlations between simulation, single-cylinder and Multicylinder test benches and component test rigs
• Development and optimization of combustion processes for sustainable and synthetic fuels
• Investigation of fuel properties and their impact on mixture formation, ignition behavior, flame propagation, knock limit and efficiency
• Close collaboration with fuel development partners for characterization and optimization of future racing fuels
• Further development of simulation processes, toolchains, and automation solutions
• Use of modern HPC infrastructures high-performance CFD simulations
• Development of data-driven methods for design space exploration, optimization, and model development
• Application of data analytics, machine learning, and AI methods to improve simulation quality and development speed
• Close collaboration with testing, calibration, fuel development and virtual engineering teams

Your Profile

• You have successfully completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Applied Thermodynamics, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Mechanics or a comparable field of study (Master’s degree, Diploma or PhD)
• You have already gained several years of professional experience in combustion development with a focus on 3D CFD simulation of high-performance combustion engines
• You possess a profound understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, combustion processes and mixture formation
• You are highly familiar with the development and application of predictive simulation methods
• You have experience in spray, combustion, ignition, knock and heat transfer modelling
• Working with test bench and experimental data as well as correlating CFD results with measurement data is part of your professional expertise
• You have already gained experience in the development of combustion concepts for sustainable or synthetic fuels
• You bring knowledge of modern sustainable racing fuels, eFuels and advanced fuel characterization
• You have already gained experience with automated optimization processes, DOE methods and surrogate models
• A passion for motorsport and high-performance powertrain technologies is clearly evident in you
• You have experience in the development of high-performance or motorsport combustion engines
• Experience in Formula 1, WEC, IndyCar, MotoGP or comparable high-performance motorsport programs distinguishes you
• You possess excellent knowledge of at least one commercial CFD environment, such as STAR-CCM+, CONVERGE or STAR-CD
• Excellent Linux skills as well as experience working with HPC cluster environments distinguish you
• You have already gained programming and automation experience, preferably in Python
• You bring experience in data analysis, statistical evaluation and data-driven development methods
• Knowledge in the field of Machine Learning and AI applications for simulation and development processes forms part of your professional expertise
• You possess knowledge of CAD and geometry preparation
• You are characterized by a structured, analytical and self-reliant way of working
• Strong teamwork and communication skills are among your strengths
• You bring a high level of commitment and motivation, demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and show enthusiasm as well as persuasiveness
• Full professional proficiency in German or English and a willingness to learn a basic level in the corresponding other language round off your profile