Job Title: Structural CAE Engineer
Location: Dearborn, MI-Hybrid
Travel: N/A
Job Type: Full Time, Contract
Expected hours per week: 40
Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm
Pay: $41.00-$50.00/hr
Job Description
Do you enjoy solving complex engineering problems before a vehicle is ever built?
We are seeking an Exterior Structural CAE Engineer to support the virtual development and validation of vehicle exterior structures and components. In this role, you will leverage advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to predict structural performance, durability, and reliability while influencing vehicle design decisions early in the development cycle.
You will collaborate with design engineers, vehicle engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing, and other CAE groups to optimize component designs for quality, performance, and cost.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute structural CAE simulations for exterior vehicle systems and components.
- Create, modify, audit, and maintain finite element models.
- Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses, including durability, fatigue, and impact simulations.
- Interpret simulation results and recommend design improvements.
- Correlate CAE models with physical test results to improve predictive accuracy.
- Support design reviews and provide engineering recommendations throughout product development.
- Work closely with Design & Release Engineers, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Vehicle Engineering teams.
- Participate in technical reviews, global engineering forums, and best-practice initiatives.
- Help develop new analytical methods and simulation capabilities.
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
- Coursework or experience involving Finite Element Methods (FEM).
- Experience performing structural CAE or FEA analysis.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and within global cross-functional teams.
- Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal).
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of Structural CAE / FEA experience.
- Experience with:
- Abaqus
- Nastran
- NCODE
- Other commercial FEA solvers
- Knowledge of:
- Durability Analysis
- Fatigue Analysis
- Structural CAE
- Material Properties
- Weld and Fatigue Theory
- Impact and Crash Analysis
- Automotive product development experience.
- Familiarity with GPDS or similar development processes.
- Experience with Teamcenter and CATIA.
- Programming experience in:
- Python
- MATLAB
- C/C++
- Experience applying statistical and optimization techniques.
Preferred CAE Tools
- HyperMesh
- ANSA
- HyperView
- MetaPost
- CAD/Meshing software
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
- Strong understanding of structural mechanics and FEA theory.
- Ability to balance engineering theory with real-world manufacturing constraints.
- Experience translating simulation results into practical design improvements.
- Excellent technical communication and presentation skills.
- Self-motivated, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Creative problem solver with a continuous learning mindset.
Why Join?
- Work on cutting-edge vehicle development programs.
- Influence product design before physical prototypes are built.
- Collaborate with talented engineering teams across multiple disciplines.
- Utilize advanced simulation technologies to improve safety, quality, durability, and cost.
- Gain exposure to the full automotive product development lifecycle.
If you’re passionate about structural analysis, virtual validation, and helping shape next-generation vehicle designs, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits: 80 hours paid time off, and medical insurance contributions, dental vision and our 401k retirement savings plan.
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