Head of Digital Simulation & CAE

Gordon Murray Group; Warwick; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive industry is seeking a Head of Digital Simulation & CAE to define and deliver the strategic direction for virtual development and simulation activities. The successful candidate will lead a team and work cross-functionally to embed simulation into the vehicle development lifecycle, ensuring alignment with performance, timing, and cost targets. This role offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including a private medical scheme and enhanced pension plan.

Benefits

Competitive Base Salary

Private Medical Scheme

Life Assurance

Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Personal Pension Plan

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay

Cycle to Work Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme

Parking Onsite

Qualifications

• 10+ years in automotive or motorsport simulation environments.
• Experience managing simulation teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute CAE strategy across simulation domains.
• Lead simulation activities including crash and safety performance.
• Drive collaboration with design and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Innovation

Attention to Detail

Education

BSc in Mechanical Engineering

MSc/PhD in Automotive Engineering

Tools

HyperWorks

LS-DYNA

Abaqus

nCode DesignLife

Job description

Head of Digital Simulation & CAE

Department: CAE

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Warwick

Description

The Head of Digital Simulation & CAE is accountable for defining and delivering the strategic direction of all virtual development and simulation activities in support of the vehicle engineering function. This role ensures the deployment of best-in-class digital twin methodologies across a wide range of simulation domains critical to the design, development and validation of our high-performance vehicles.

The successful candidate will lead a team of CAE specialists and work cross-functionally with key departments including Vehicle Attributes, Concept, Chassis, Body, Aero, Powertrain and Manufacturing to embed simulation into every aspect of the vehicle development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the CAE strategy across all simulation domains in alignment with the vehicle performance, timing and cost targets.
• Own and evolve the use of digital twin methodologies to accelerate development and improve correlation to physical test.
• Lead simulation activities including: Crash and safety performance, Structural stiffness and durability, NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness), Aerodynamics and thermal management, Vehicle dynamics and driver-in-loop simulation, Material modelling for metallics and composites.
• Oversee full vehicle and sub-system FE model development, load case definition, solver execution, post-processing and design feedback loops.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with design, R&D, project and manufacturing teams to ensure simulation informs decisions early and continuously.
• Evaluate, select and deploy industry-leading simulation tools and workflows to ensure maximum efficiency and technical excellence.
• Develop robust validation and correlation plans between simulation and test (virtual/physical).
• Act as technical mentor and leader to the CAE team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical innovation.
• Interface with suppliers and external consultants to ensure outsourced CAE work meets internal standards.
• Work closely with the Director of Vehicle Engineering & Development to align a CAE delivery strategy with program and business goals.
• Drive internal R&D projects to enhance capability in emerging simulation domains (AI/ML in CAE, real-time simulation, etc.).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree qualified in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engineering or similar (BSc minimum, MSc/PhD preferred).
• Significant experience (10+ years) in automotive or motorsport simulation environments, ideally in high-performance vehicle programs.
• Proven leadership experience in managing simulation teams, projects, or departments.
• Expert knowledge in structural analysis, durability, crashworthiness, and multi-physics CAE methods.
• Familiarity with software such as HyperWorks, Optistruct, LS-DYNA, Abaqus, ANSA, nCode DesignLife, CFD/thermal solvers, and DiL simulation environments.
• Understanding of composite structures, metallics and hybrid materials from a simulation and correlation perspective.
• Strong capability in interpreting and correlating simulation and test data to drive engineering decisions.
• Demonstrable experience delivering CAE support across full product development life cycle.
• Highly motivated, with a passion for innovation, attention to detail and ability to influence across disciplines.
• Clear, confident communicator with a collaborative leadership style.

Benefits

As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team, the position comes with:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• Parking Onsite

Gordon Murray Group is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, race, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any reasonable adjustments to assist with your application.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.