Structures and Chassis CAE Engineer - GM Defense

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an experienced Structures and Chassis CAE Engineer to support GM Defense, applying finite element methods to body, chassis, and suspension structures. You will lead analyses assessing strength, stiffness, durability, and NVH, translating results into design recommendations.

Hybrid work setup with collaboration across Chassis, Suspension, Steering, and NVH teams. A strong CAE background, tools like HyperWorks/NASTRAN/Abaqus, and mentoring capability are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Civil engineering, Engineering, or Physics.
• 5+ years in product design and CAE.
• Experience mentoring and providing technical leadership in CAE.
• Familiarity with optimization and automation of CAE workflows.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanics, physics, metallurgy, manufacturing, electronics, software, or control systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform CAE analyses to support vehicle program execution and technology development.
• Support test development, root cause analysis, and issue resolution.
• Perform fatigue analysis and develop block cycles for physical testing.
• Create, document, and archive analysis models and results.
• Present results and provide actionable recommendations to support reviews and decisions.
• Collaborate with design engineers to specify system requirements and deliver solutions.
• Lead coordinated supplier CAE activities and support SoR processes.
• Develop and update CAE plans for development and validation.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

HyperWorks

ANSA

NASTRAN

Abaqus

LS-DYNA

OptiStruct

Python

DOE/Optimization tools

Job description

Job Description

The Role The Structures and Chassis CAE Engineer supports GM Defense by applying finite element analysis tools and methods to the design and development of body structure, RESS structure, chassis structure, suspension, steering components, and other vehicle structures. This role leads analysis activities that assess strength, static and dynamic stiffness, durability, and noise and vibration performance, and translates results into clear design recommendations.

What You'll Do

• Perform CAE analyses to support vehicle program execution and technology development across structural systems.


• Support component and subsystem test development, root cause analysis, and issue resolution.


• Perform fatigue analysis and develop block cycles used to drive physical testing for chassis, suspension, RESS, and related structural components.


• Create, document, and archive analysis models and results.


• Present results and provide actionable recommendations to support virtual reviews and program decision-making.


• Participate in Chassis Structure, Suspension, Steering, Structures Product Development, Vehicle Dynamics, and Noise and Vibration Performance Integration teams.


• Work closely with design engineers to develop new components and subsystems, define system requirements, and deliver technical solutions for current and future programs.


• Lead coordinated supplier CAE activities and support the Statement of Requirements process.


• Develop, maintain, and update the CAE portions of analysis, development, and validation plans.


• Provide technical leadership for advanced technology development, contribute to new CAE methods and techniques, and stay current with emerging tools, trends, and competitive products.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or Physics.


• 5+ years of related experience in product design and the CAE field.


• Experience mentoring others and providing technical leadership in a CAE-focused environment.


• Familiarity with optimization, DOE, and automation of CAE workflows using tools such as Python, Tcl/Tk, AI/ML or similar to enable efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and drive rapid product development.


• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals relevant to the role, such as mechanics, physics, metallurgy, manufacturing methods, electronics, software, or control systems.


• Experience with CAE modeling tools such as HyperWorks and/or ANSA.


• Experience with linear and non-linear CAE analysis tools such as NASTRAN, OptiStruct, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, and/or Adams.


• Experience with structural fatigue theory, tools, and methods, including DesignLife and/or nCode.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound analytical judgment, and the ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems while working effectively across teams.


• Candidate must either be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required export control authorization.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master's degree in Engineering


• Engineering design and release experience


• Optimization integration into product design and development


• Previous Defense industry experience

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}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel About GM

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