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.