CAE Optimization Engineer

Job Type: Fixed-term contract (6 months)

Job Summary

The CAE Optimization Engineer will support Vehicle Design and Vehicle Engineering teams across multiple domains, including NVH, crash, durability, and manufacturability. This role focuses on executing advanced CAE optimization studies to reduce mass, improve structural performance, and guide early-stage design decisions for current and next-generation vehicle platforms. The position works closely with cross-functional engineering groups and requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and execute structural optimization studies, including defining design space, objectives, and constraints.
• Interpret optimization results and propose feasible, manufacturable design recommendations.
• Perform subsystem and full-vehicle optimization focused on stiffness, strength, and mass efficiency.
• Apply multi-domain and multi-material optimization strategies to meet cross-functional performance targets.
• Utilize CAE tools such as OptiStruct, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, and BetaCAE for analysis and modeling.
• Collaborate with attribute teams (NVH, crash, durability, manufacturing) to balance competing performance requirements.
• Provide design guidance and insights during early concept development phases.
• Develop scripts in Python or TCL to automate workflows (preferred).

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum 4 years of CAE or structural analysis experience, including 1–2 years specializing in optimization.
• Strong understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) and optimization methods.
• Hands-on experience with OptiStruct/NASTRAN, HyperWorks, and BetaCAE tools.
• Ability to analyze complex engineering problems and provide practical design solutions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Self-motivated, fast learner, and capable of working in a dynamic environment.

Top Technical Skills

• Structural optimization using OptiStruct or equivalent solvers.
• FEA modeling for stiffness, strength, mass optimization, and multi-domain performance.
• HyperWorks suite, NASTRAN, BetaCAE (ANSA/meta).
• Python or TCL scripting for workflow automation.
• Understanding of vehicle systems, materials, and manufacturability constraints.
• Ability to interpret simulation data and create actionable engineering recommendations.

Pay: $70-80/h