Safety CAE Modeling Engineer - GM Defense

General Motors LLC; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Defense is seeking an engineer to build and maintain CAE models focused on LS-DYNA for VDDV programs. You will prepare models, perform pre/post-processing, and document assumptions and findings.

Collaboration with design, materials and simulation teams is essential to resolve non-routine issues and improve processes. You will also contribute to automation and apply GM modeling standards, ensuring model quality and timely delivery across vehicle-level analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics.
• 3+ years of CAE/FEA experience in vehicle engineering or related field.
• Ability to communicate assumptions, risks and results clearly.
• Basic scripting in Python, Tcl/Tk or similar for automation.
• Experience developing LS-DYNA models and using pre/post-processing tools (ANSA/Primer).
• Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter or visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Create, update and quality-check CAE models using GM standards.
• Prepare LS-DYNA models and perform pre/post-processing for vehicle/component analyses.
• Review model quality and document assumptions, findings and issues.
• Identify and resolve non-routine modeling issues using engineering judgment.
• Coordinate with designers, DREs, materials, simulation teams and programs.
• Support analyses in vehicle safety, crashworthiness, and sensing domains.

Skills

CAE/FEA

LS-DYNA

Python scripting

Pre/post-processing tools

Siemens NX

Teamwork & communication

U.S. Person

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

LS-DYNA

ANSA

Primer

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Job Description

This engineer will create and maintain computer-aided engineering (CAE) models for assigned GM Defense Virtual Design, Development and Validation (VDDV) projects, with a primary focus on LS-DYNA model development. The role will support model preparation, execution, post-processing, documentation, and issue resolution for vehicle and component-level analyses. The engineer will work within established GM modeling processes, coordinate with design, analysis, materials, program, and simulation teams, and apply sound engineering judgment to resolve non-routine modeling issues. The role will also contribute to process improvements and automation that improve model quality, repeatability, and delivery timing.

What You'll Do

The position requires the ability to work independently on standard assignments, seek guidance when issues fall outside established methods, and communicate assumptions, risks, and results clearly. Create, update, and quality-check CAE (computer-aided engineering) models using established GM modeling standards. Prepare LS-DYNA models and perform pre-processing and post-processing for assigned vehicle and component-level analyses. Review model quality and results for completeness and consistency; document assumptions, findings, and open issues. Identify and resolve non-routine modeling issues using engineering judgment, escalating issues outside established methods. Apply established modeling procedures to GM Defense requirements and elevate proposed deviations for review. Coordinate with designers, design release engineers (DREs), materials specialists, simulation engineers, and program teams to obtain inputs and resolve issues. Communicate model status, risks, issues, and timing to project stakeholders. Support assigned analyses in applicable vehicle safety, occupant, rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), crashworthiness, instrumentation, and sensorion domains. Contribute to process automation using Python, Tcl/Tk, or similar scripting tools. Share modeling methods and lessons learned with teammates and recommend improvements to modeling processes, tools, and documentation.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics
• 3+ years of relevant experience in CAE, FEA, vehicle engineering, or a related technical field
• Ability to use sound engineering judgment, collaborate with cross-functional teammates, and seek guidance when requirements or methods are unclear
• Basic scripting capability in Python, Tcl/Tk, or similar tools to automate repetitive tasks and improve modeling efficiency
• Experience developing LS-DYNA models and using pre- and post-processing tools such as ANSA or Primer
• Experience using engineering software such as Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or visualization tools to support model creation
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral, for working with engineering and program stakeholders
• DFSS black belt or similar certification
• Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee)

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Demonstrated proficiency in FEA modeling tools
• Experience directly with ANSA as the pre-processing tool for modeling support
• Engineering design and release experience
• Optimization integration into product design and development

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