Senior Vehicle CAE Engineer

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Vacation

401k

Equity program / incentive

Job summary

Slate Auto seeks a Vehicle CAE Engineer to develop and optimize CAE models for EV body, chassis, and closure structures in the USA. You will perform NVH, durability, strength, and stiffness simulations under senior guidance to support design decisions and performance targets.

You will use ANSA, Optistruct, nCode Design Life, HyperMesh, and related tools to build, run, and validate models, analyze results, and provide design recommendations for improvement.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• 3-5 years of automotive structures CAE experience, with NVH/durability exposure.

Responsibilities

• Support NVH and durability analysis for BIW, HV Battery structure, and full vehicle components.
• Build, run, and debug full-vehicle CAE models using ANSA/HyperMesh.
• Analyze results and recommend design improvements to meet targets.
• Perform iterative simulations to optimize performance at component and vehicle levels.
• Correlate CAE results with test data and assist in testing activities.
• Apply DOE and design optimization techniques in CAE workflow.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing simulation findings and actions.

Skills

NVH analysis

Durability analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree a plus

Tools

nCode

Optistruct

NASTRAN

ANSA

HyperMesh

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Slate is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Vehicle CAE Engineer to join our growing team. This position will be responsible for performing NVH, durability, strength, and stiffness simulations to support the development and optimization of EV body, chassis, and closure structures. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, this role offers an excellent opportunity to grow within a dynamic, startup-paced environment.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

The Vehicle CAE Engineer will support the CAE team in simulation activities and design evaluation. Key responsibilities include:

• Support NVH and durability analysis for BIW, HV Battery structure, Trimmed Body, and full vehicle structures using tools such as ANSA, Optistruct, and nCode Design Life.
• Assist in building, running, and debugging full vehicle NVH and durability models using pre-processing tools like ANSA and HyperMesh.
• Analyze simulation results, identify design issues, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Perform iterative simulations to optimize component and vehicle-level performance targets.
• Support vehicle and component testing activities and assist in correlating CAE results with physical test data.
• Help apply engineering methods and tools including DOE and design optimization techniques.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing simulation results, findings, and improvement actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams to meet vehicle performance requirements.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent, from an ABET-accredited or equivalent program.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• 3-5 years of automotive structures CAE experience, with exposure to NVH and/or durability analysis.
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles and their application to product development.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Eagerness to learn, problem-solve, and grow within a fast-moving organization.
• Familiarity with tools such as nCode, Optistruct / NASTRAN, ANSA, and Hyper Works.
• Basic understanding of NVH concepts including source-path-receiver thinking for structure-borne vibration and airborne noise.
• Exposure to modal analysis, vibration targets, or frequency response analysis is an advantage.
• Some experience or academic coursework in random vibration analysis is a plus.
• Experience or exposure to CAE-test correlation is desirable.
• Experience with electric propulsion systems is desirable, including structural CAE for battery enclosures, battery trays, or high-voltage pack integration within the vehicle architecture.
• Familiarity with EV-specific structural considerations such as thermal management interface loads, battery module mounting, or e-motor subframe design is a plus.
• Familiarity with vehicle safety regulations and crash performance requirements is desirable, including FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and US NCAP evaluation criteria as they relate to structural design and CAE simulation.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Salary Range

Base Pay Range (Annual) $85,430.91 - $128,146.37

Additional Compensation and Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Vacation
• 401k
• Equity program and/or discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we're fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The startup spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

Safety First Delight Customers One Team Relentless Improvement Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About Us

At Slate, we've got one job: building a vehicle you'll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don't like paying for stuff we don't need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.