CAE Engineer

Position OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced CAE Durability Engineer – Technical Specialist to lead the structural durability and fatigue validation of critical vehicle systems. This role is responsible for driving virtual sign-off processes, advanced simulation analysis, and correlation between simulation models and physical testing to ensure the durability and reliability of vehicle structures, particularly for electric vehicle architectures.The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in structural durability, guiding engineering teams through simulation-based design validation while collaborating cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and testing teams. Job Duties for Durability CAE Tech SpecialistCore ResponsibilitiesVirtual Sign-off & Validation: Lead the structural durability and fatigue sign-off for critical systems like body structures, frames, and electric vehicle (EV) battery trays before physical prototype builds.Advanced Simulation Leadership: Oversee complex, full-vehicle explicit and implicit dynamic simulations (e.g., ground strikes, curb strikes, and cyclic loading) to assess structural resilience.Model Correlation: Drive the alignment between virtual simulation models and physical test results from proving grounds or lab rigs to ensure predictive accuracy.Root Cause Analysis: Use physics-based principles and simulation data to diagnose and resolve durability failures from early development through production.Technical Mentorship: Act as a \"subject matter expert\" (SME), coaching junior engineers and developing new CAE methodologies.Cross-functional Collaboration: Engage with design, manufacturing, and \"Road Load\" teams to develop design load targets and ensure lessons learned are integrated into future vehicle architectures. Key Technical Skills & QualificationsSimulation Software Expertise: Mastery of CAE tools such as Abaqus, Nastran and fatigue solvers like nCode DesignLife or FEMFAT.Material Science Knowledge: Deep understanding of fatigue life prediction, plasticity, ductile failure, and metal joining methods (e.g., welding in HSLA steels or cast materials).Data Processing: Proficiency in pre-processors ANSA or HyperMesh and Post-processors HyperView or Meta/Post. Familiarity in scripting languages like Python or MATLAB for automation would be a plus.Communication & Presentation: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to translate complex data into clear technical and executive presentations for leadership decision-makingExperience: Requires 10+ years of experience in structural components and CAE correlation for specialist roles. Special Considerations:AI & Machine Learning:Proficiency in applying Reduced Order Modeling (ROM) and Neural Networks to accelerate traditional CAE simulations.Experience using AI-driven design tools (e.g., Altair PhysicsAI or Ansys SimAI) to predict stress and strain fields without full solver runs.Knowledge of Generative Design algorithms to optimize topology for durability and mass reduction.