Senior Research Engineer

Summary

The advanced engineering department provides expert support to tire development engineers and the testing department to ensure tire performance meets original equipment and replacement market requirements.   Engineers in the advanced engineering department interpret tire performance requirements, communicate with customers (especially OEMs) on issues related to their expertise, understand how tire construction impacts tire performance, develop tools to predict and analyze tire performance, troubleshoot tire concerns, develop indoor and on-vehicle test methods to measure tire performance and validate predictive tools.  Advance engineering coordinates activities with engineers at Yokohama’s global R&D center in Japan.

            The senior research engineer 1 (SRE1) has approximately 5 years of experience directly related to their assigned area of research or a PhD with related academic research.   An SRE1 works independently but with guidance to define research objectives and goals.  With guidance from more senior engineers and their manager an SRE1 will lead projects containing team members from multiple departments and coordinates activities of the project team to be successful.  An SRE1 maintains relationships within the organization and Japanese R&D organization to both act as a subject matter resource and gain support for their work.

Responsibilities

• Determines appropriate research methodology based on higher level strategic objectives of the department.
• Initiates and manages multi-department projects to accomplish research goals.
• Executes tasks including simulation, data analysis, programming, and tire testing to improve understanding of tire behavior in support of ongoing projects
• Collaborates with other departments and counterparts in Japan on areas of study.
• Publishes research reports to disseminate knowledge and document results contributing to expanding organizational knowledge.
• Develops predictive tools that will integrate into the tire development process to validate design prior to ordering tooling

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in static and dynamic finite element analyses and FEA model validation techniques.
  • Expertise in at least one of the following: Abaqus, Ansys, Nastran, LS-DYNA, or COMSOL.Experience using advanced meshing software such as Hypermesh is preferred.
• Experience using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools to support design or analysis workflows is considered a strong advantage.
• Experience with statistical analysis and handling large datasets.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB is preferred for data analysis, automation, and developing custom tools to support simulation workflows.
• Strong collaboration and coordination skills; history or working within cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to document technical results and methodologies through reports and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify and explain complex concepts.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Education and Experience

• PhD in engineering with research in relevant field or MS in engineering and 5 years of relevant experience
• Must be self-directed, motivated to push the technology forward, and able to work closely with multiple departments both locally and internationally.
• Data acquisition and data processing
• Knowledge of FEA software such as: Abaqus, Ansys, Nastran, LS-DYNA is beneficial 
• Design software such as CATIA, ProE, AutoCAD is beneficial. 
• Programming: Matlab, Python, C
• DOE and statistical analysis

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time while working on a computer.
• Ability to repeat motions that include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Must be able to occasionally lift and or move up to 20 pounds

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000