CAE Engineer DurabilityPosition Title

EPITEC; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO & 401K

Job summary

EPITEC is seeking an Exterior Structural CAE Engineer in Dearborn, MI (Hybrid). You will advance vehicle exterior structures via FE analyses, build and audit finite element models, and correlate predictions with tests to guide design decisions early in development.

The role requires a mechanical engineering degree, FEM/FEA experience, and strong analytical and communication skills. You will work with design, manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to optimize safety, durability, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a mechanical-engineering related field is required.
• Experience with FEM/FEA methods and structural CAE analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute structural CAE simulations for exterior vehicle systems and components.
• Create, modify, audit, and maintain finite element models.
• Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses including durability and fatigue.
• Interpret results and recommend design improvements.
• Correlate CAE models with physical test results to improve accuracy.
• Support design reviews and provide engineering recommendations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent worker

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Materials Science or related

Tools

Abaqus

Nastran

NCODE

Teamcenter

CATIA

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

HyperMesh

ANSA

HyperView

CAD/Meshing software

Job description

Do you enjoy solving complex engineering problems before a vehicle is ever built?

Job Title

Structural CAE Engineer

Location

Dearborn, MI-Hybrid

Job Type

Full Time, Contract

Expected hours per week

40

Schedule

8:00am-4:30pm

Pay

$46.00-$48.00/hr

We are seeking an Exterior Structural CAE Engineer to support the virtual development and validation of vehicle exterior structures and components. In this role, you will leverage advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to predict structural performance, durability, and reliability while influencing vehicle design decisions early in the development cycle.

You will collaborate with design engineers, vehicle engineering teams, suppliers, manufacturing, and other CAE groups to optimize component designs for quality, performance, and cost.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute structural CAE simulations for exterior vehicle systems and components.
• Create, modify, audit, and maintain finite element models.
• Perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses, including durability, fatigue, and impact simulations.
• Interpret simulation results and recommend design improvements.
• Correlate CAE models with physical test results to improve predictive accuracy.
• Support design reviews and provide engineering recommendations throughout product development.
• Work closely with Design & Release Engineers, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Vehicle Engineering teams.
• Participate in technical reviews, global engineering forums, and best-practice initiatives.
• Help develop new analytical methods and simulation capabilities.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• Coursework or experience involving Finite Element Methods (FEM).
• Experience performing structural CAE or FEA analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within global cross-functional teams.
• Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal).

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of Structural CAE / FEA experience.
• Experience with:
  • Abaqus
  • Nastran
  • NCODE
  • Other commercial FEA solvers
• Knowledge of:
  • Durability Analysis
  • Fatigue Analysis
  • Structural CAE
  • Material Properties
  • Weld and Fatigue Theory
  • Impact and Crash Analysis
• Automotive product development experience.
• Familiarity with GPDS or similar development processes.
• Experience with Teamcenter and CATIA.
• Programming experience in:
  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • C/C++
• Experience applying statistical and optimization techniques.

Preferred CAE Tools

• HyperMesh
• ANSA
• HyperView
• MetaPost
• CAD/Meshing software

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and FEA theory.
• Ability to balance engineering theory with real-world manufacturing constraints.
• Experience translating simulation results into practical design improvements.
• Excellent technical communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative problem solver with a continuous learning mindset.

Why Join

• Work on cutting-edge vehicle development programs.
• Influence product design before physical prototypes are built.
• Collaborate with talented engineering teams across multiple disciplines.
• Utilize advanced simulation technologies to improve safety, quality, durability, and cost.
• Gain exposure to the full automotive product development lifecycle.

If you're passionate about structural analysis, virtual validation, and helping shape next-generation vehicle designs, we'd love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• PTO & 401K

#INDOEM