Combustion Development Engineer – 3D CFD Simulation

From the 2026 season, Audi will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Our new team has three locations. The Audi Motorsport competence center in Neuburg (Germany) is one of the most modern in Europe. The Audi Motorsport AG Formula 1 factory in Hinwil (Switzerland) is known for its innovative technologies and passion for motorsport. The Audi Motorsport technology center in the United Kingdom is in its early stages of development and is constantly growing. Our powertrain is produced in Neuburg, while Hinwil is responsible for chassis development and race operations. What do you need? An athlete's mindset. If you are someone for whom giving up is not an option and boundaries are just something to be overcome, you can help us bring “Excellence through Technology” to Formula 1. Become part of this unique project and write motorsport history. This position is open at Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg (Germany). As a Development Engineer in 3D-CFD Combustion, you will be responsible for the development and optimization of the Audi F1 powertrain combustion process. Using state-of-the-art 3D-CFD methods, you will develop predictive simulation approaches for the design of future hardware and conceptual solutions for the combustion process and push the boundaries of internal combustion engine performance under the most demanding conditions in motorsport's premier class. In doing so, you will work at the interface of simulation, testing, fuel development, and data analysis. You will develop robust simulation methods and apply them, correlate virtual and experimental results, and leverage state-of-the-art HPC, automation, and AI methods to accelerate development cycles and unlock new potential in the combustion process.

• Develop and optimize combustion processes using high-resolution 3D-CFD simulations

• Thermodynamic design and analysis of gas exchange, mixture formation, ignition, combustion process, and heat transfer

• Develop and apply predictive simulation methods to evaluate future combustion concepts and hardware solutions

• Independently plan, conduct, and analyze 3D-CFD simulations, and technically interpret and derive development measures

• Develop and validate models for Direct Injection/Turbulent Combustion/Knock Prediction/Ignition/Heat Transfer

• Create and maintain correlations between simulation, single-cylinder and full-engine test bench data, as well as component test stand results

• Develop and optimize combustion processes for sustainable and synthetic fuels

• Investigate fuel properties and their influence on mixture formation, ignitability, flame propagation, knock limit, and efficiency

• Closely collaborate with fuel development partners to characterize and optimize future racing fuels

• Further develop simulation processes, toolchains, and automation solutions

• Utilize state-of-the-art HPC infrastructures for large-scale CFD simulations

• Develop data-driven methods for exploring the design space, optimization, and model development

• Apply Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and AI methods to improve simulation quality and development speed

• Closely collaborate with testing, application, fuel development, and virtual development teams

• Successfully completed university studies in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Applied Thermodynamics, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, or a comparable field (Master's, Diploma, or PhD)

• Several years of professional experience in the field of combustion process development with a focus on 3D-CFD simulation of high-performance internal combustion engines.

• Fundamental understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, combustion processes, and mixture formation.

• Familiarity with the development and application of predictive simulation methods.

• Experience in modeling spray, combustion, ignition, knock, and heat transfer.

• Working with test and bench data, as well as correlating CFD results with measurement data is part of your professional repertoire.

• Experience in developing combustion processes for sustainable or synthetic fuels.

• Knowledge of current sustainable racing fuels, eFuels, as well as advanced fuel characterization methods.

• Experience with automated optimization procedures, DOE methods, and surrogate models.

• A clear passion for motorsport and high-performance powertrains.

• Experience in the development of high-performance internal combustion engines or motorsport engines.

• Experience in Formula 1, WEC, IndyCar, MotoGP, or comparable high-performance motorsport programs.

• Excellent knowledge of at least one commercial CFD environment, e.g., STAR-CCM+, CONVERGE, or STAR-CD.

• Excellent Linux knowledge and experience with HPC cluster environments.

• Programming and automation experience, preferably in Python.

• Experience in data analysis, statistical evaluation, and data-driven development methods.

• Knowledge in the field of Machine Learning and the application of AI for simulation and development processes is part of your competence profile.

• Knowledge of CAD and geometry preparation.

• Structured, analytical, and independent approach to work.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills are your strengths.

• You demonstrate great dedication and high motivation, possess a strong sense of responsibility, and show enthusiasm and persuasiveness.

• Fluent German or English and the willingness to learn the basics of the other language complete your profile.