CAE Body Structures Engineer

General Motors

CAE Body Structures VDDV Engineer performing structural analysis for vehicle structures development at General Motors. Delivering integrated design solutions and collaborating with multiple engineering teams.

Posted 6/19/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform structural analysis to lead and execute the development of new architectures and subsequent variants.
Drive the design through appropriate analyses, deep dive efficient / integrated design solutions, provide clear design direction to your partners and confirm performance.
Support hardware elimination through leadership in the Global Focus Groups and drive method development.
Create and execute Finite Element Analysis (FEA) plans for assigned projects.
Lead CAE suppliers and internal resources to meet program milestones and deliverables.
Create geometry or construct / update FEA models from NX math data.
Debug 1st run vehicle structure models from suppliers (external and internal).
Recommend viable design solutions to resolve any performance issues with mass & cost efficiency.
Interface with the SMT, validation, structure integration, N&V, and safety integration engineers to assure balance of vehicle structure requirements and design solutions.
Conduct topology optimization to identify architectural load paths to close the gap to requirements and implement enablers into the math released.
Plan and implement test and/or development projects to enhance CAE capability.
Recommend process automators and CAE enhancements for CAE modeling software and solvers.
Assist in developing new CAE techniques.
Use CAE to explain results of physical testing and engineer solutions to resolve issues with validation and release engineers.
Responsible for documenting analysis performance for program management and formal CAE report documentation (Virtual Validation) as required.
Participate in Body Structure Product Development Teams (PDTs) to provide technical guidance based on CAE assessments.
Stay abreast of new technology, competitive products, and latest CAE tools/trends.
Have an active role in developing CAE resources globally (focus groups & direct communication).

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering.
Undergraduate coursework in Strength of Materials and Engineering Mechanics.
3+ years’ experience in Linear Analysis (NASTRAN/OPTISTRUCT or equivalent), Quasi-Static Analysis (LS DYNA) and optimization / diagnostic tools (Genesis)
Thorough understanding of Material Properties as inputs to CAE analysis
Familiarity with a variety of CAE modeling tools.
Proficiency with MS Office applications
Good written and oral communication skills
High degree of analytical ability where problems are complex or difficult.
Exhibits appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to work effectively with business partners to meet mutual goals.

Benefits

Comp & perks

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions.
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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

structural analysisFinite Element Analysis (FEA)Linear AnalysisQuasi-Static Analysisoptimization toolsdebuggingtopology optimizationCAE techniquesmaterial propertiesengineering mechanics

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunication skillsanalytical abilityinterpersonal skillstechnical guidanceproblem-solvingcollaborationproject managementadaptabilityattention to detail

Certifications

BS in Mechanical EngineeringBS in Civil EngineeringBS in Aerospace Engineering