Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled Closures CAE Engineer with 3–5 years of experience in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), preferably specializing in automotive closures and sheet metal structures.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in structural analysis, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), durability, fatigue, and nonlinear impact analysis.
The candidate will be responsible for developing and validating Finite Element (FE) models, conducting structural simulations, identifying design issues, and recommending effective countermeasures to meet functional, performance, safety, and program requirements. Experience with closure systems, including doors, hoods, liftgates, hinges, latches, handles, seals, bumpers, and wedges, is highly desirable.
The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, application of CAE optimization techniques, and timely delivery of accurate engineering assessments to support product development milestones.
Key Responsibilities
1. CAE Analysis and Simulation
- Perform structural CAE analyses for automotive closures and sheet metal components, including NVH, durability, fatigue, linear static, nonlinear dynamic, and impact analyses.
- Develop, build, and validate FE models to support engineering design and program milestones.
- Conduct explicit and implicit simulations using industry-standard CAE software.
- Perform iterative simulations to identify root causes of design issues and recommend corrective actions within defined design and timeline constraints.
- Verify the accuracy, completeness, and quality of CAE models, simulation results, and engineering assessments.
2. Closures System Engineering
- Analyze automotive closure systems and related components, including hinges, latches, handles, seals, bumpers, and wedges.
- Develop and validate design countermeasures to address functional and structural performance issues.
- Support the resolution of complex system-level issues through root-cause analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
- Evaluate component and system performance against engineering requirements, regulatory requirements, and applicable design standards.
- Apply Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) principles to support risk assessment and design validation.
3. Design Optimization and Improvement
- Conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) and CAE optimization studies to evaluate design alternatives and improve product performance.
- Optimize structural performance, durability, functionality, and cost using CAE tools and methodologies.
- Support multi-objective and structural optimization activities using tools such as OptiStruct, Tosca, HEEDS, modeFRONTIER, or iSight.
- Develop and improve CAE methods, simulation processes, and automation workflows.
- Support the development of engineering standards, best practices, and reusable analysis methodologies.
4. Program Execution and Reporting
- Execute CAE activities in alignment with program timelines, engineering deliverables, and development milestones.
- Prepare and present CAE analysis reports, simulation results, engineering status updates, and technical recommendations.
- Provide regular updates to engineering teams and management on analysis progress, risks, and issue resolution.
- Support program design decisions by providing simulation-driven recommendations and engineering alternatives.
- Coordinate with Design and Release (D&R) engineers and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with performance and design requirements.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with design, product development, manufacturing, testing, and other engineering teams to resolve functional and structural issues.
- Support the integration of CAE findings into product design and validation activities.
- Consider manufacturing processes and design constraints when recommending engineering solutions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, CAE process automation, and engineering efficiency.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 3–5 years of experience in Closures CAE or Structural CAE, preferably in the automotive or aerospace industry.
- Experience in one or more of the following analysis areas:
- Structural analysis
- Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
- Durability and fatigue analysis
- Linear static analysis
- Nonlinear dynamic and impact analysis
- Hands-on experience in FE model creation, meshing, model setup, simulation execution, and post-processing.
- Proficiency with meshing and post-processing tools such as HyperMesh, ANSA, HyperView, or MetaPost.
- Working knowledge of CAE solvers and analysis tools such as Abaqus, Nastran, LS-DYNA, nCode, OptiStruct, or HyperWorks.
- Ability to interpret simulation results, identify root causes, and develop effective engineering countermeasures.
- Experience in CAE report preparation, technical documentation, and engineering milestone reporting.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience in automotive closures and sheet metal component analysis.
- Knowledge of closure system components, including hinges, latches, handles, seals, bumpers, and wedges.
- Experience with explicit and implicit CAE methods.
- Understanding of automotive product development processes and engineering validation requirements.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes and their impact on component design and structural performance.
- Experience with FMEA, regulatory requirements, and Warranty Concern Reports (WCRs).
- Programming or scripting skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for CAE automation and data processing.
- Experience with DOE, multi-objective optimization, and design optimization methodologies.
- Familiarity with optimization tools such as HEEDS, modeFRONTIER, or iSight.
- Structural optimization experience using OptiStruct or Tosca.
- Strong business acumen, interpersonal skills, and relationship-building capabilities.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary, cross-functional engineering teams.
- Willingness to travel on company business as required.
Education Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering field.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
Work Arrangement
- Hybrid work model.
- Four days per week in the office.
- Travel may be required based on business and program needs.
Key Success Factors
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong structural CAE fundamentals, practical simulation experience, analytical problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to translate simulation results into effective design improvements.
Experience in automotive closures, system-level issue resolution, and optimization-driven engineering decisions will be a significant advantage
