Simpson Race Products- Director of Engineering

Simpson is the leading provider of critical motorsports safety equipment. Backed by best-in-class technical expertise, the company has built a loyal following in the motorsports community over the last 60 years among both professional and amateur drivers.

We are looking for a Director of Engineering to join our team in New Braunfels, TX! The Director of Engineering for Simpson Race Products will lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of innovative safety products and technologies that protect drivers and teams in high-performance motorsport environments. This role combines engineering expertise in materials science, mechanical engineering, and advanced safety technologies to create cutting-edge solutions that enhance driver safety. The Director will lead a cross-functional engineering team, collaborate with motorsport professionals and enthusiasts, and ensure that products meet rigorous industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management:

Lead and inspire a team of engineers focused on developing and improving racing safety equipment such as fire-resistant suits, helmets, harnesses, impact-absorbing devices, and vehicle safety systems.

Provide mentorship, career development, and performance feedback to engineering team members.

Foster a culture of innovation, precision, and safety, with a focus on continuous improvement and problem-solving.

Product Design & Development:

Oversee the design and development of safety products that meet or exceed industry standards (e.g., FIA, SFI) while maintaining high-performance characteristics suitable for motorsports.

Work closely with drivers, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather real-world feedback and incorporate it into the design process.

Ensure all new products are rigorously tested and validated to withstand the extreme conditions of motorsport, such as high G-forces, extreme temperatures, and impacts.

Utilize simulation, testing (e.g., crash tests, fire resistance), and prototyping to ensure product safety, durability, and comfort.

Material Science & Advanced Technology Integration:

Drive innovation in the use of advanced materials (e.g., carbon fiber, Kevlar, Nomex) and safety technologies, enhancing performance without compromising safety.

Explore new materials and technologies (e.g., smart fabrics, impact-absorbing foams, sensor integration) to create future-ready racing safety solutions.

Collaborate with suppliers to source and test cutting-edge materials that improve the effectiveness of safety gear.

Collaboration with Motorsports Teams & Stakeholders:

Build strong relationships with racing teams, drivers, governing bodies (e.g., FIA), and other stakeholders to understand their safety needs and ensure product designs meet real-world demands.

Attend motorsport events and work with teams to gather feedback and make iterative improvements to safety gear based on actual performance and feedback.

Compliance & Safety Standards:

Ensure all products meet the stringent safety regulations set by governing bodies such as FIA, SFI, and other motorsport authorities.

Oversee the certification processes for safety equipment to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Conduct in-depth risk assessments to identify potential safety gaps and drive product improvements based on these evaluations.

Project Management & Product Launch:

Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, design, and execution of new product developments.

Define project timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure on-time delivery of safety products.

Manage the product lifecycle from initial concept and prototyping through production and post-launch feedback.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

Foster a culture of continuous improvement in design, testing, and manufacturing processes to enhance product quality, performance, and safety.

Keep up to date with trends in motorsport safety, technology advancements, and competitor offerings to ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation.

Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize product development cycles and reduce waste.

Collaboration with Marketing & Sales:

Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to promote the technical advantages of racing safety products and communicate their value to customers, including drivers, racing teams, and manufacturers.

Provide technical support during product demonstrations and marketing events to help promote new innovations.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Design, or a related field (Master's degree in relevant area preferred).

Experience:

• 10+ years of engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the motorsport, automotive safety, or a related industry.
• Proven track record of developing high-performance safety products for racing or similar high-risk environments.
• Experience with product design, materials science, and safety testing standards specific to motorsport or extreme sports industries.
• Deep understanding of industry regulations (e.g., FIA, SFI) and experience navigating compliance requirements.
• Experience working directly with motorsports teams or in a high-performance automotive environment is a plus.

Skills:

• Expertise in materials science, including high-performance composites, fire-resistant fabrics, and advanced safety technologies.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to design and lead testing protocols for safety equipment (e.g., crash testing, fire resistance, durability).
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with internal teams, customers, and regulatory bodies.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex safety issues and find innovative solutions.

Additional Skills (Preferred):

• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, injection molding, and automated assembly.
• Knowledge of sensor integration for smart racing safety systems (e.g., airbags, telemetry systems).

Working Conditions

• Work Environment: Fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with a focus on innovation, safety, and quality.
• Travel: Occasional travel to motorsport events, manufacturing facilities, and supplier locations.

The Director of Engineering for Racing Safety plays a critical role in ensuring that the highest standards of safety are maintained for motorsport professionals. This is an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology, driving innovation and making a tangible impact on the safety of drivers in high-performance racing environments. If you are passionate about motorsports, engineering, and safety, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role.