Principal Structural & CAE Durability Engineer – Battery Systems

Gotion Inc.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Gotion Inc. is seeking a Principal Structural & CAE Durability Engineer to lead structural integrity, fatigue, and durability analysis for battery module and pack systems supporting next‑generation EV and energy storage programs.

This senior technical leadership role owns the CAE strategy, analysis methods, and automation roadmap, mentors engineers across the team, and partners with Design Release Engineers and cross‑functional groups to ensure battery structures meet performance,

Qualifications

• 15+ years in structural, fatigue, and durability CAE analysis.
• Expert-level proficiency in FEA/CAE tools (ABAQUS, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA).
• Experience scripting for CAE automation (Python, C/C++, Tcl/Tk).
• Proven track record leading CAE strategy and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Experience applying AI/ML to CAE modeling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural, fatigue, durability, and NVH CAE analysis for battery modules and packs.
• Define and drive CAE analysis strategy, methods, and automation roadmap.
• Develop automation tools and standard work processes to improve CAE quality and efficiency.
• Apply optimization, DOE, and AI/ML to guide design decisions.
• Mentor CAE engineers and present results to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-physics analysis

Scripting (Python)

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering or related

15+ years structural/CAE experience

Tools

ABAQUS

HyperWorks/OptiStruct

NASTRAN

LS-DYNA

ANSA

nCode

Job description

About Gotion

Gotion Inc. is a global leader in next-generation energy storage and electric vehicle technologies, specializing in lithium batteries and related systems. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Gotion is expanding its manufacturing footprint with a state-of-the-art facility in Manteno, Illinois, and operates research and development centers across Ohio, China, Japan, and Europe.

Driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Gotion develops advanced battery solutions that power electric vehicles and energy storage systems around the world. Backed by industry-leading battery technology, Gotion continues to advance the future of electrified transportation and support the global transition to clean energy.

At Gotion, we believe our people are the driving force behind our success. We are more than a workplace— we are a team united by a shared mission to build a more sustainable future. Every employee is empowered to contribute, innovate, and grow while making a meaningful impact.

If you are looking for more than just a job—if you are seeking an opportunity to help shape the future of global green energy—we invite you to build that future with us.

Our Culture

At Gotion, we value collaboration, respect, continuous learning, and innovation. We work in a dynamic, multicultural environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable energy solutions. Our core values—Care, Pragmatism, Integrity, and Innovation—guide how we work together, serve our customers, and build the future.

Position Summary

Gotion is seeking a Principal Structural & CAE Durability Engineer to lead structural integrity, fatigue, and durability analysis for battery module and pack systems supporting next-generation EV and energy storage programs. This senior technical leadership role owns the CAE strategy, analysis methods, and automation roadmap for structural and durability engineering, mentors engineers across the team, and partners closely with Design Release Engineers (DREs) and cross‑functional engineering groups to ensure battery structural designs meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in FEA‑based structural and durability analysis, a proven track record developing analysis automation tools, and experience applying AI/ML techniques to advance CAE capability.

Gotion Core Values

• Care: Demonstrates respect, empathy, professionalism, safety, quality, teamwork, and customer focus.
• Pragmatism: Makes practical, data‑driven decisions that balance quality, efficiency, cost, and business needs.
• Integrity: Acts honestly and ethically while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with company policies and laws.
• Innovation: Continuously seeks better ideas, technologies, and processes to improve business performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead structural, fatigue, durability, and NVH CAE analysis for battery module and pack designs, including vibration fatigue (random PSD, sine dwell/sweep), weld fatigue (spot, laser, staple, MIG), and thermal cycling creep/fatigue of polymeric components.
• Define and drive the structural/CAE analysis strategy, methods, and technology roadmap across battery engineering programs.
• Develop and implement automation tools and standard engineering work processes to improve CAE modeling quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Apply optimization, DOE, and AI/ML techniques to guide battery module and pack design decisions.
• Partner closely with Design Release Engineers (DREs) and cross‑functional teams (mechanical, electrical, systems, manufacturing) to ensure structural designs meet performance, safety, and reliability targets.
• Review and validate FEA models, structural calculations, and analysis reports for battery components including trays, cell tabs, BDU, ICB, side plates, and brackets.
• Lead root cause investigations of structural failures, test findings, and field issues, and support corrective action development.
• Evaluate and implement CAE software/platforms and tools (e.g., ABAQUS, HyperWorks/OptiStruct, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA, ANSA, nCode) to support analysis needs.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to structural and CAE engineers across the team.
• Present analysis results, design recommendations, and program‑level structural risk assessments to engineering and program leadership.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, design practices, and simulation methodology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct reports but is expected to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and analysis review guidance to structural and CAE engineers across programs.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Solid Mechanics, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in structural, fatigue, and durability CAE analysis, ideally within automotive, battery, or related industrial systems.
• Expert‑level proficiency in FEA and CAE tools such as ABAQUS, HyperWorks/OptiStruct, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA, ANSA, and nCode.
• Strong background in fatigue, NVH, optimization/DOE, and multi‑physics structural analysis.
• Proven track record developing CAE automation tools and standard engineering work processes.
• Experience with scripting/programming for CAE automation (Python, C/C++, Tcl/Tk, VBA, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to define technical strategy, mentor engineers, and drive cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to engineering and program leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Solid Mechanics.
• Direct experience with battery module/pack structural design and durability analysis.
• Experience applying AI/ML techniques to CAE modeling and design optimization.
• Experience with Teamcenter/NX or similar PLM/CAD‑integration environments.
• Track record of patents, publications, or industry recognition in structural/CAE engineering.
• Design for Six Sigma or related quality/process certification.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. Gotion, Inc. reserves the right to modify this job description as business needs evolve.

Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.

We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.