Chief Engineer - CAE

ZipRecruiter; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive organization is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer – CAE for a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will lead a high-performing team in automotive engineering, focusing on simulation tools to drive performance and safety. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in CAE and a strong track record in leading teams. This role offers the chance to impact an organization at the forefront of automotive innovation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of automotive experience with strong CAE/CFD/FEA expertise.
• Proven track record of leading virtual engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team across CAE, CFD, and FEA.
• Champion advanced simulation methods to optimize performance and safety.
• Define and deliver the virtual engineering strategy aligned with business goals.

Skills

Leadership and management

CAE expertise

CFD expertise

FEA expertise

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Motorsport Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

LS-DYNA

Star-CCM+

HyperWorks

Job description

Overview

Fixed-Term Contract – 12 Months | Chief Engineer – CAE

Are you ready to shape the future of automotive engineering through cutting-edge digital innovation? We’re looking for an experienced Chief Engineer – CAE to lead and grow a high-performing team within a fast-paced automotive organisation that’s redefining the industry.

The Role

As Chief Engineer – Simulation, you’ll lead on CAE, CFD, and FEA to deliver predictive digital models that drive performance, safety, and efficiency.

You’ll be responsible for building and leading the virtual build function, reporting directly to the CTO, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure simulation-driven design is at the heart of product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team across CAE, CFD, and FEA.
• Champion advanced simulation methods to optimise performance and safety.
• Develop standards, methodologies, and best practices for virtual engineering.
• Define and deliver the virtual engineering strategy aligned with business goals.
• Support digital twin and virtual validation processes.
• Advise senior leadership on vehicle design and optimisation decisions.
• Mentor and grow a talented engineering team.
• Foster a culture of innovation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Build relationships with external partners, vendors, and academia.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality simulation outputs.
• Analyse complex engineering problems and drive design improvements.
• Maintain accountability for validation and accuracy of digital results.

About You

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Automotive, or Motorsport Engineering.
• 10+ years’ automotive experience with strong CAE/CFD/FEA expertise.
• Proven track record of leading virtual engineering teams.
• Skilled in simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, Star-CCM+, or HyperWorks.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, structures, and thermal/fluids systems.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract offering the chance to make a real impact in an organisation where tradition meets innovation.