CAE Durability Engineer at Detroit, Michigan

Job Title: CAE Durability Engineer

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Job Description:

• Specializes in developing and validating vehicle durability models to ensure long-term structural integrity and performance under real-world conditions.
• This role involves using advanced simulation tools to analyze loads, predict fatigue, and work across the full vehicle lifecycle-from concept to production-to optimize the durability of vehicle components and systems.
• Develop detailed FEA models to evaluate vehicle durability, focusing on fatigue life, vibration endurance, and load-bearing capacity for complete vehicle systems under diverse operating conditions.
• Perform road load data analysis to determine component and system damage levels, using this data to inform structural design enhancements and optimize vehicle durability.
• Correlate load data with CAE fatigue predictions, utilizing tools like Ncode and Abaqus to establish accurate cyclic load predictions and simulate real-world operating conditions.
• Configure and validate durability models to accurately predict cyclic loads and correlate these with damage levels experienced in actual road scenarios, ensuring the highest level of predictive accuracy.
• Collaborate with design, materials, and testing teams to identify and implement material and structural improvements that enhance component durability, extending vehicle lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.
• Use advanced FEA software such as Ncode, Abaqus, and ANSYS for comprehensive structural and fatigue analysis, pinpointing potential weak points and areas for improvement across vehicle systems.
• Optimize complete vehicle durability by assessing structural load paths, material fatigue thresholds, and road load transfer mechanisms for components such as chassis, suspension, body structures, and powertrain mounts.
• Validate simulation models against physical testing data, refining models based on real-world load conditions, including road, terrain, and environmental impacts to accurately replicate in-service conditions.
• Document durability analysis processes and findings, providing detailed reports and actionable insights to support continuous improvement in vehicle durability development programs.
• Develop and implement durability test plans for specific vehicle components and systems, including frame, suspension, body structures, and key load-bearing components, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer durability requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency in CAE durability analysis tools and FEA software, including Ncode, Abaqus, and ANSYS, with a focus on complete vehicle applications.
• Strong understanding of materials science, fatigue analysis principles, and the behavior of high-strength materials under cyclic loading.
• Extensive experience in handling and interpreting road load data, with the ability to integrate it into CAE simulations for accurate durability predictions.
• Familiarity with vehicle durability standards, testing protocols, and industry requirements for commercial vehicles and heavy-duty applications.