Jobs in Charlotte area involving performance

[WS6]

Well, I'm pushing 30 and it's taken me 8 years total since I redid my previous work but I am coming up on graduating with my ME degree in May. I'm leaning towards oil industry and performance automotive. It's no secret I want to work for a company like DSE. I get excited just looking at their products and projects. I have so much I want to learn. I think working for a company like that would be fantastic in helping me understand all that is going on with handling. While they are right now my top choice for many reasons, it would be foolish of me to only try for a job with them. So I am curious if anyone knows where or how I can look for jobs and companies in that area of the world that may be hiring or at least performance automotive related so I can check them out all the same?

While that area of the country is my primary choice, I'm not necessarily against other locations. If you know of other companies that could fit the bill, please mention them. I'm aware of AME and have talked with Matt about what it is like working there. I know of Roadster Shop as well. Anyone else?

Thanks guys. Remember, it doesn't have to be just old cars as much as I'm looking for performance or even race related.

[John Wright]

Good luck Trey

[blown9746]

charlotte area why not check into nascar teams. it seems if you can get a foot in the door at one you are able to move up within the ranks

[WS6]

Well, I'm not a huge fan of NASCAR. Actually, I find it boring. However, since it is engineering I am looking at I would hope it would be more interesting from the inside. I've found a website called racecityresumes.com which I think I will look into some more. However, it is strictly NASCAR so I'd still be interested in other options for sure.

Thanks guys

[scogin918]

Have you tried Greenville, SC? Clemson has their motorsports research park there and there are a few companies that are located there that are partners with them. Also, you have BMW and Michelin up there as well.

[WS6]

Good idea. I'll look into it. Do you know of any sources for info on the Clemson research park other than somewhere on Clemson's website?

[scogin918]

I used to have director's business card. I met at Joe Gibbs Racing in Charlotte and we got to talking, but that was a while ago. I'll see if I can find it for you and get you some contact info. I also know they have worked extensively with Warren Johnson before with alot of the development he does.

[trex1270]

Ummm...how about the new US F1 team based out of charlotte?

[WS6]

You'll need to give me more info on that. I'm unaware of there being a team up there. Now F1 is a race.

[sniper]

I know you say you are not "into" Nascar, but what does that have to do with making money, right?
Anywho, Nascar has the R&D center of in concord. They test, approve and inspect various parts, cars and designs. For instance, anytime a team designs a new intake manifold, it has to go through the R&D center for approval. The facility is pretty sweet too.
I don't know if they are hiring but it may be something worth looking into.

[scogin918]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_F1_Team

[WS6]

Thanks guys. I'll follow the links and look into some things more

[HarleyR]

You are not going to find a job In NASCAR with no experence.Ive been in the buisness for 12 years and have never seen it this bad...Teams simply arent spending money they dont have too and are making cuts like crazy....If the teams are struggling then companies associated with them are as well....I hate be Buzz Killington but its just a fact....A few years ago I would of said go for it... but its a different ball game now guys with 20 years in the buisness are standing in the unemployment line.. I am in a one and a million situation where I dont worry about my job.... but come every november people worry if they have a job come december 1st.

[WS6]

I'd rather know the truth than get hyped up for no reason. So thanks for the input harley.

[jerhofer]

Below is one path to the type of job you probably want.

My son has a ME degree from Purdue. Since he had interest in making things, he volunteered to work in the engineeering department's machine shop where he learned how to use all of the tools. While in college he was also heavily involved in Formula SAE racing ( http://students.sae.org/competitions/formulaseries/rules/) and ran the team during his senior year. He and his team bascially built their race car from scratch including even making the brake rotors. Along with getting good grades, this practical experience went a long way towards making it easier for him to get a job.

Michelin recruited him and he worked there for 12 years in Greenville. Initially, he designed OEM tires for car manufacturers but he moved into designing racing tires within a couple years. He worked with various road racing, oval and drag racing teams both here and abroad and spent three years in France. Through working with the teams and during testing, he learned a ton about tires and suspensions.

A couple years ago he was pretty well tapped out on his income level at Michelin so he sent our resumes to some NASCAR teams. He was hired by Red Bull as their test engineer primarily because of his tire and suspension expertise. He organized the tests and then crunched the numbers and got to work with their 7 post machine.

This year he has been assigned to be the simulation engineer for Scott Speed's #83 car. While you may be bored with NASCAR, you would probably not be bored with the work. It is so competitive that every team is searching for that elusive little edge. Red Bull is making progress as Brian Vickers made the chase last year. It's a great job and pays well.

And, I might add, I am pretty proud of him!!

[CptKlutz]

You'll need to give me more info on that. I'm unaware of there being a team up there. Now F1 is a race.

USF1 is reportedly close to running out of money. Seems they are not paying their wages and the employees are getting restless, leaving left and right. Might want to put them on your 'hold' list!

[damannhw]

Have you tried Greenville, SC? Clemson has their motorsports research park there and there are a few companies that are located there that are partners with them. Also, you have BMW and Michelin up there as well.


Hi,
Saw this post, and thought I would try to chime in and help out. I work for Clemson University ICAR (International Center for Automotive Research). You may see my big mug in some of the gallery shots/video doing test work !
http://www.cuicar.com/

ICAR is an research based Automotive Engineering program for prospective Masters or Doctorate degree candidates. If you are finishing your ME, this may be a place you would want to continue your education. There are not too many job opportunities here currently, but I'm glad to help you with more info or some contact information. Just PM me.

The above post mentions BMW and Michelin. These are 2 of our biggest partners, and BMW is just finishing a huge expansion for the new X3 addition. They also have a performance center and R&D onsite, so that may be a direction to take as well. I can also help you with contacts there.

I do automotive based testing and love the job. My background is technical with my primary responsibilities being chassis dyno, engine dyno, and test driving for professor/industry/student based projects. I leave the teaching & engineering to the smart people !!

One post below mentions SAE. We are heavily involoved with them as well and are hosting the Baja SAE event here next month. That may be an organization you should check into. Again, I may be able to help with some contacts for you.

If there is anything I can help you with, feel free to contact me (PM) and I'll send you my phone number.

Thanks,
David

[WS6]

Thanks guys. I'll keep all this in mind as I move forward.

[formula]

Good idea. I'll look into it. Do you know of any sources for info on the Clemson research park other than somewhere on Clemson's website?

I'm a grad student at clemson's ICAR (International Center for Automotive Research) in Greenville. Feel free to contact me for any info or if you have questions--I'll be glad to help any way I can.