CAE Engineer

CAE Engineer

Location: Newark, CA or Detroit, MI

Job Type: Contract, Long term

Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled CAE Engineer – Automotive Closures to support the design and development of structural body components including hoods, fenders, doors, decklids, and tailgates. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in aluminum or composite design, as well as closure systems involving hinges and kinematic requirements. You will work closely with cross-functional teams from concept to production, integrating CAE analysis to optimize structural performance, manufacturability, and cost.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop closure structural parts (hoods, fenders, doors, decklids, tailgates), from concept to production.
• Focus on aluminum and/or composite material applications with knowledge of hinge and kinematic functionality.
• Apply advanced CAE tools to evaluate structural performance, NVH, and durability targets.
• Interpret analysis results and collaborate with the design team to evolve and optimize CAD models.
• Coordinate virtual validation and physical testing plans to verify design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with attribute owners (Vehicle Safety, NVH, Durability, Dynamics) to ensure performance alignment.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to validate tooling, assembly feasibility, and process optimization.
• Conduct design benchmarking activities for material, section properties, and competitive analysis.
• Use GD&T to determine necessary tolerances for manufacturing.
• Interface with suppliers and internal teams to support tool buy-offs and part changes.
• Provide direction and support to junior engineers and team members.

Domestic and international travel may be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in closure systems design (OEM or Tier 1 Supplier level preferred).
• Proven hands-on experience in Class A surface modeling and prototype assembly.
• Proficiency in CAE tools (such as ANSA, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, HyperMesh, NASTRAN).
• Experience in full product lifecycle development: concept → prototype → production.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVP&R, and related engineering validation frameworks.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional and global teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with lightweight materials such as aluminum and composites.
• Knowledge of stamping and joining technologies.
• Previous experience supporting supplier and tool validation efforts.
• Strong knowledge of kinematics, structural analysis, and GD&T principles.