Senior CAE Durability Engineer

Pay Rate: $75–$80/hr | Location: Tustin, CA (Onsite) | Duration: 6-Month Contract | Schedule: Standard Business Hours




Our client is seeking an experienced Senior CAE Durability Engineer to join their team on a contract basis. In this role, you will lead finite element analysis (FEA) and durability simulations with a strong focus on battery system dynamics, including modal analysis, random vibration, and shock. You will work cross-functionally with design engineers and suppliers to drive design optimization and support physical validation testing.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will manage and support a variety of projects within the CAE/Structural Analysis department. Key responsibilities include:

Essential Job Duties and Functions

• Lead durability analysis of battery systems using finite element tools including Altair OptiStruct, ANSA, and Hyperview/META
• Develop random vibration profiles for pack-in-fixture (PIF) testing
• Develop and tune PIF fixtures to match vehicle response and damage characteristics
• Conduct battery system dynamics analyses, including modal, random vibration, and shock simulations
• Interpret and communicate CAE results to design engineers and recommend feasible design changes for optimization
• Collaborate with design engineers and suppliers to gather material properties, connection data, and relevant CAE modeling inputs
• Participate in meshing and connecting parts in alignment with team requirements
• Contribute to the development of analysis procedures for durability load cases and benchmarking activities

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in Altair OptiStruct (required), ANSA, Abaqus, and Hyperview/META or comparable simulation software
• Strong working knowledge of dynamic analysis of automotive structures
• Solid understanding of solid mechanics, materials science, structural analysis, and dynamics
• Familiarity with material properties relevant to automotive structures and battery systems, including metals, polymers, adhesives, conductors, and electronics
• Experience preparing formal technical reports summarizing analysis results and recommendations
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills

Education and Experience

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, OR
• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, OR
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

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