Virtual Design and Performance Engineer – Exterior CAE

General Motors•Warren, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.. The Role As the Exterior VDDV engineer, you will perform structural analysis on exterior components and sub-systems such as exterior lighting, wiper/wash systems, fixed glass, bumpers, fascias, grilles, luggage racks, assist steps, moldings, and spoilers. Use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other analysis methods to assess component designs. Analysis is focused on design optimization to meet safety regulations (low speed bumper regulations) and customer usage. CAE Engineers work interactively with the Product Development Teams (PDT’s) to share analysis results, provide design recommendations, and assure that product requirements are met. This position is a hybrid position and requires an employee to be onsite 3 times per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (BS in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering preferred).
Experience in Linear Analysis (NASTRAN, OPTISTRUCT or equivalent) and NonLinear Analysis (LS DYNA).
Thorough understanding of Material Properties as inputs to CAE analysis.
Familiarity with a variety of CAE modeling tools.
Proficiency with MS Office applications.
Good written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or higher in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering preferred.
Familiarity with UG-NX CAD & CAE tools.
Experience in transient, quasi-static non-linear analysis, NVH (modal, optimization), durability analysis, dynamic crash simulation (extreme durability events such as potholes, curbs).
Experience in conducting automotive full vehicle low or high-speed crash analysis.

Responsibilities

Create and execute Finite Element Analysis (FEA) plans for assigned projects.
Lead CAE suppliers and internal resources to meet program milestones and deliverables.
Create CAE geometry or construct / update FEA models from NX math data.
Debug 1st run vehicle structure models from suppliers (external and internal).
Perform and coordinate resources for virtual assessment of designs and compare results to performance requirements.
Recommend viable design solutions to resolve any performance issues with mass & cost efficiency.
Interface with SMT, validation, aero, structure integration, N&V, and safety integration engineers to assure balance of vehicle structure requirements and design solutions.
Conduct topology optimization to identify architectural load paths to close the gap to requirements and implement enablers into the math released.
Plan and implement test and/or development programs to enhance CAE capability.
Recommend process automators and CAE enhancements for CAE modeling software and solvers.
Assist in developing new CAE techniques.
Use CAE to explain results of physical testing and engineer solutions to resolve issues with validation and release engineers.
Responsible for Virtual Assessment presentations for program management and formal CAE report documentation as required.
Participate in Product Development Teams (PDTs) to provide technical guidance based on CAE assessments.
Stay abreast of new technology, competitive products, and latest CAE tools/trends.
Play a very active role in developing CAE resources globally (focus groups & direct communication).