Race Engineer Apprenticeship Program

TRD inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans, Toyota team members, customers, and the driving public. We are dedicated to advancing automotive engineering and maximizing racetrack success. We partner with the finest race teams and drivers who share our passion, and our actions foster an atmosphere of excellence. In our pursuit of becoming the most respected and premier motorsports engineering organization in the world, we are looking for highly motivated applicants for our available positions.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is seeking highly motivated and driven individuals to join our Race Engineer Apprenticeship Program — a unique, tiered initiative designed to develop the next generation of elite motorsports engineers.

This up-to-three-year program directly addresses critical talent gaps in motorsports by offering structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience across various levels of racing. The apprenticeship is geared toward promising candidates from:
• Entry-level engineering positions
• Grassroots racing backgrounds
• University motorsports and engineering programs

Program Highlights:
• Rotational Assignments: Gain real-world experience in ARCA and the NASCAR Truck Series, with potential future advancement into NASCAR Xfinity or Cup Series roles.
• Structured Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced TRD engineers and race team leaders, with consistent coaching, feedback, and career guidance.
• Strong Career Foundation: Build the technical depth, adaptability, and professional skills required for a long-term career in motorsports engineering.

If you're passionate about motorsports engineering and ready to fast-track your career, this is your opportunity to get on track — literally.

What you will be doing:

ARCA Series – Broad Responsibility & Hands-On Experience

Key Responsibilities:
• Simulation, vehicle modeling, and setup preparation
• Hands-on mechanical work, data collection, and diagnostics
• Multiple driver and vehicle responsibility on race weekends

NASCAR Truck Series – Focused Execution & Technical Precision

Key Responsibilities:
• Deep involvement in data analysis, simulation, and team integration.
• Less direct mechanical work; greater emphasis on technical execution and process
• Operate within a structured, professional team similar to NASCAR Xfinity/Cup formats

What you will bring:
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Passion for motorsports and high-performance engineering.
• Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of engineering processes and systems.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar.

Ideal Candidate:
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-responsibility environments
• Comfortable multitasking and taking ownership across multiple areas
• Hands-on, curious, and eager to learn through doing
• Highly motivated with aspirations for senior roles in motorsports
• Strong communication and collaboration skills within structured environments