Exterior Structural CAE Engineer

Company Introduction

We are a leading automotive engineering organization committed to innovation and excellence in vehicle structural design and validation.

Role Summary / Purpose

The Exterior Structural CAE Engineer performs finite element-based studies to virtually validate vehicle structure parts, components, and sub-systems, supporting the Engineering team with design guidance and performance prediction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead System Design Specification analysis, design development, and results documentation of exterior systems components
• Create and modify finite element models that predict vehicle structure performance following corporate requirements and procedures
• Conduct CAE model audits
• Develop new analytical capabilities for improved prediction and physical testing
• Participate in global forums and meetings to share technical information about new procedures and simulation methods
• Coordinate with Design and Release Engineers, CAE teams, Digital Innovation, Suppliers, Vehicle Engineering, and Manufacturing to develop integral solutions using virtual simulations
• Produce and evaluate solutions to improve quality and cost of designs based on specialized engineering knowledge
• Interpret results from CAE and physical tests to develop feasible counter-measures meeting systems and component level requirements
• Correlate CAE models with physical tests

Requirements - Education & Experience

• Engineering degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Science, Materials, or related disciplines with coursework in Finite Element Methods
• Master's or Ph.D. degree preferred

Required Skills

• Independent, self-motivated, goal-oriented, highly organized, and persistent
• Able to work both independently and effectively with others
• Ability to summarize and present technical work to cross-functional teams
• Ability to balance theory with practical limitations
• Excellent self-learning skills
• Identify and execute work at a level of detail consistent with accuracy balanced with timeliness
• Creative thinker able to quickly assess problems and drive effective responses
• Flexible and able to rapidly respond to new situations and perform multiple tasks
• Leadership ability to motivate, encourage, negotiate, and gather consensus with colleagues having diverse motivations and departmental goals
• Able to work remotely and in a global environment
• Fluent in English, oral and written
• Strong analytical and communication skills

Nice-to-Have / Preferred Skills

• Good understanding of materials properties
• Knowledge of FEA theory and Structural CAE, Durability, and/or Fatigue CAE Analysis
• Knowledge of both Linear Static and Non-Linear Dynamic analyses including impact FE analyses
• Knowledge of meshing and postprocessing software such as ANSA, HyperMesh, HyperView, and MetaPost
• 5+ years of experience with Abaqus, NCODE, Nastran, and/or other commercially available FEA programs for structural and fatigue analyses
• Knowledge of automotive product development processes and validation
• Knowledge of welds and fatigue theory
• Knowledge of statistical and optimization tools and techniques
• Demonstrated ability to devise, create, or adapt novel analysis methods
• Evidence of technical excellence as indicated by technical presentations and reports
• Familiarity with Team Center and Catia
• Programming skills in Python, Matlab, C, C++, or other languages
• DFSS Green Belt or equivalent certification in statistical and optimization tools and techniques

Employment Details - Type, Location, Hours

Hybrid position with 4 days per week in office.