CAE Model Build Engineer – Full Vehicle

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group in Irvine, CA is seeking an experienced CAE Model Build Engineer who specializes in Full Vehicle FE model build with ANSA, covering Crash, Durability, NVH and Dynamics. You will build, validate and manage large-scale models, ensure accuracy with OEM standards, and contribute to templates, automation scripts, and process improvements.

You will work with simulation engineers and CAE data systems to maintain data integrity and deliver solver-ready models.

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.

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 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 (e.g., Teamcenter, SimManager).
• Provide mentoring and technical support to junior engineers on ANSA best practices and model build methodology.

Skills

ANSA

Full Vehicle FE

Crash Modeling

Durability Modeling

NVH Modeling

Dynamics Modeling

Python Scripting

Template Development

Automation

Model Validation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Automotive/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LS-DYNA

Nastran

Abaqus

OptiStruct

Teamcenter

SimManager

Job description

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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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