CAE Engineer

Henniges Automotive is looking for a CAE Engineer at the Corporate office located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The CAE Engineer will use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other analytical methods to evaluate and improve the performance of our parts and manufacturing processes. Contributes to long-term objectives such as increasing CAE simulation accuracy, efficiency, and range of application. This role supports our commitment to technical excellence and collaborative problem solving, aligned with Henniges Automotive’s core values.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Collaborate with design and product engineering teams to determine appropriate simulation strategies.
• Build 2D and 3D finite element models using appropriate software.
• Interpret results to assess part performance and recommend design improvements.
• Perform designed experiments to optimize product performance.
• Write reports, record results in FEA database, and deliver internal or customer presentations as required.
• Improve simulation accuracy through material model development, advanced analysis techniques, and correlation with experimental test results.
• Explore new CAE applications, such as system simulation and manufacturing processes.
• Stay current with developments in the field of Elastomer FEA.
• Enhance FEA group productivity by developing customized functions and utilities in Hexagon Mentat, Hexagon MARC or ANSYS Mechanical using Python or specially developed user subroutines.
• Works independently on assigned projects while adhering to department standards and guidelines.
• Solve complex, non-linear FEA problems of elastomers.
• Understand the fundamental behavior of materials used and the full range of part performance requirements.
• Translate customer requests into realistic, achievable goals.
• Balance simulation fidelity with project timelines and computational resources.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States indefinitely.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Education / Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with 3 years of experience in sealing applications or automotive non-linear FEA.
• Preferred: Master’s degree with Finite Element Analysis coursework. Experience with a weatherstrip supplier, ANSYS Mechanical and Hexagon MARC.
• Preferred: Experience with Hexagon ADAMS, Altair HyperMesh, ANSYS Polyflow, modeFrontier, and Moldex3D all a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in non-linear FEA applications, preferably ANSYS Mechanical or Hexagon MARC / Mentat.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with Python programming for simulation automation or customization is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce detailed, technically accurate reports to support decision making by product engineers.
• Comfortable presenting results and recommendations to peers, department teams, or management with the ability to tailor material for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in evaluating simulation results and recommending design or process improvements.
• Adaptable to shifting priorities and evolving responsibilities.