Demo

Senior CAE engineer

Dexmate
Santa Clara, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/1/2026
What You'll Do

As a CAE Engineer on the Dexmate Robotics team, you will be at the forefront of designing and validating mechanical systems for our next-generation manipulation robots. You'll guide design decisions using high-fidelity finite element models grounded in sound engineering principles, working closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing teams to bring unprecedented robotic capabilities to life.

Core Responsibilities

  • Develop and analyze comprehensive finite element models for robotic systems, from individual components to full assemblies
  • Conduct static, dynamic, structural, and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to evaluate performance against key requirements for strength, stiffness, durability, and manipulation accuracy
  • Guide mechanical design teams with actionable insights and design direction based on rigorous analysis
  • Optimize structural designs to minimize weight while maximizing stiffness, reliability, and performance under real-world operational loads
  • Define and analyze load cases for manipulation tasks, impacts, handling scenarios, and day-to-day operations
  • Validate FEA models through experimental testing and iterate based on physical performance data
  • Challenge traditional CAE methods and pioneer more efficient, accurate approaches for robotic systems
  • Collaborate with controls engineers to understand dynamic load profiles and system-level performance requirements
  • Support root cause analysis and failure investigation for production issues
  • Develop CAE workflows, best practices, and documentation to scale analysis capabilities across the team

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or related field with 5 years of experience OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience OR PhD in designing and analyzing mechanical systems using FEA and CAE tools
  • 3 years of experience in designing and analyzing mechanical systems using FEA and CAE tools
  • Strong fundamentals in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, and material science
  • Proficiency in CAE software (Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, COMSOL, OptiStruct, or equivalent)
  • Experience with both implicit and explicit finite element analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct static, dynamic, and durability analyses
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and ability to translate analysis into actionable design recommendations
  • Experience with experimental validation methods and correlation between simulation and physical testing
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
  • Self-motivated problem solver who can work independently on challenging technical problems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Experience in robotics, automation, or mechatronics industries
  • Proficiency with multi-body dynamics simulation (ADAMS, MuJoCo, PyBullet)
  • Experience analyzing aluminum structures, composites, and advanced materials
  • Knowledge of advanced joining methods (adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners)
  • Expertise in non-linear analysis, contact mechanics, and material characterization
  • Proficiency in programming/scripting for automation (Python, MATLAB)
  • Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, OnShape, CATIA, NX, etc.)
  • Familiarity with structural dynamics, vibration analysis, and modal testing
  • Experience with thermal-structural coupling and multi-physics simulations
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
  • Knowledge of fatigue analysis and life prediction methodologies

Salary.com Estimation for Senior CAE engineer in Santa Clara, CA
$104,236 to $127,887
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