Safety CAE Modeling Engineer - GM Defense

generalmotors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Defense is seeking a CAE engineer to create and maintain LS-DYNA models for VDDV projects, focusing on model development and automation. You will collaborate with design, materials, and simulation teams to ensure high-quality analyses for vehicle and component-level assessments.

The role requires LS-DYNA experience, Python scripting, and strong communication. Hybrid work arrangement applies; must be a U.S. Person and hold a relevant engineering/physics degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics.
• 3+ years in CAE/FEA/vehicle engineering or related technical field.
• Ability to communicate assumptions, risks, and results clearly.
• Basic scripting in Python, Tcl/Tk, or similar to automate tasks.
• Experience developing LS-DYNA models and using pre/post-processing tools (ANSA, Primer).
• Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or visualization tools to support model creation.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication with stakeholders.
• DFSS black belt or equivalent certification.
• U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and quality-check CAE models using GM standards.
• Prepare LS-DYNA models and perform pre/post-processing for vehicle analyses.
• Review model quality and document assumptions, findings, and open issues.
• Resolve non-routine modeling issues using engineering judgment.
• Apply GM Defense modeling procedures and escalate deviations for review.
• Coordinate with designers, DREs, materials specialists, and simulation engineers to obtain inputs.
• Communicate model status, risks, issues, and timing to stakeholders.
• Support analyses in vehicle safety, occupant, RESS, crashworthiness, instrumentation, sensing domains.
• Contribute to process automation using Python, Tcl/Tk, or similar scripting tools.
• Share modeling methods and lessons learned with teammates and suggest process improvements.

Skills

CAE modeling

Python scripting

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

DFSS belt or equivalent

US Person

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

LS-DYNA

ANSA

Primer

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Visualization tools

Job description

Job Description

The Role

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 sensing 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

The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging.

We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.