CAE Model Build Engineer

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group in Irvine, CA seeks an experienced CAE Model Build Engineer to lead full vehicle FE model builds using ANSA. You will handle pre-processing, meshing, and connections across Crash, Durability, NVH, and Dynamics domains, ensuring solver-ready models aligned with OEM standards.

The role emphasizes automation through templates, macros, and scripts, plus collaboration with design and CAE leads. 5–10 years in automotive CAE required with strong ANSA expertise.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in Automotive CAE domain.
• Experience in Full Vehicle FE model build.
• Strong expertise in ANSA for full vehicle assembly and connections.

Responsibilities

• Lead Full Vehicle FE model build activities from CAD data to solver-ready models.
• Perform pre-processing, assembly, meshing, and connections in ANSA for multiple analysis disciplines.
• Collaborate with simulation engineers to deliver validated, clean, and consistent models for Safety, Durability, NVH, and Dynamics simulations.
• Develop and maintain model build templates, macros, and automation scripts to enhance productivity and repeatability.
• Conduct model integrity checks (mass balance, connectivity, boundary conditions, material & property validation).
• Interface with Design, CAD, and CAE domain leads to resolve geometry, assembly, and connectivity issues.
• Support solver deck generation (LS-DYNA, Nastran, Abaqus, OptiStruct) and ensure compliance with project setup guidelines.
• Participate in model correlation and validation exercises with test data where applicable.
• Manage model data, revisions, and documentation within PLM/CAE data management systems (Teamcenter, SimManager).
• Provide mentoring and technical support to junior engineers on ANSA best practices and model build methodology.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Automotive / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LS-DYNA

Nastran

Abaqus

OptiStruct

Python

Teamcenter

SimManager

ANSA scripting

Job description

Experience: 5–10 years (Automotive CAE Domain)

Department: CAE / Virtual Validation / Vehicle Engineering

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced CAE Model Build Engineer with deep expertise in Full Vehicle (FV) model build using ANSA, covering domains such as Crash & Safety, Durability, NVH, and Vehicle Dynamics. The candidate will be responsible for building, validating, and managing large-scale FE models, ensuring accuracy, robustness, and consistency with OEM standards and simulation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Full Vehicle FE model build activities from CAD data to solver-ready models.
• Execute pre-processing, assembly, meshing, and connections in ANSA for multiple analysis disciplines.
• Work closely with simulation engineers to deliver validated, clean, and consistent models for Safety, Durability, NVH, and Dynamics simulations.
• Develop and maintain model build templates, macros, and automation scripts to enhance productivity and repeatability.
• Conduct model integrity checks (mass balance, connectivity, boundary conditions, material & property validation).
• Interface with Design, CAD, and CAE domain leads to resolve geometry, assembly, and connectivity issues.
• Support solver deck generation (LS-DYNA, Nastran, Abaqus, OptiStruct, etc.) and ensure compliance with project setup guidelines.
• Participate in model correlation and validation exercises with test data where applicable.
• Manage model data, revisions, and documentation within PLM/CAE data management systems (e.g., Teamcenter, SimManager).
• Provide mentoring and technical support to junior engineers on ANSA best practices and model build methodology.

Technical Skills Required

• Expert-level proficiency in ANSA (full vehicle assembly, connections, submodel creation, part management, scripting).
• Hands-on experience with Safety (Crash), Durability (Static/Fatigue), NVH (Modal/Frequency), and Dynamics (Ride & Handling) model build.
• Working knowledge of solvers such as LS-DYNA, Nastran, Abaqus, or OptiStruct.
• Strong understanding of FE modeling principles, element quality checks, contact definitions, and loadcase management.
• Familiar with material modeling, joints, fasteners, adhesives, and spot weld representations.
• Exposure to automation tools or scripting languages (Python, ANSA scripts, tcl).
• Experience in CAE data management systems (Teamcenter, SimManager, or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Automotive / Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience with OEM-level full vehicle model integration or supplier-level model build support.
• Knowledge of CAD to CAE workflows, model correlation, and DVP&R processes.
• Familiarity with multi-domain vehicle simulation environments and cross-functional collaboration.
• Prior involvement in CAE harmonization or process automation projects will be a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver high-quality output under tight timelines.

Strong documentation and configuration management discipline