Cockpit & Trim Computer Aided Engineer (CAE)

Job description

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future.

We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world together.

At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers.

We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life.

We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

**In this position...**

Critically contributes to the development and refinement of advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) methodologies, specifically applied to automotive body interior systems.

This role is essential for ensuring structural integrity and performance meet stringent safety and durability standards by modeling, simulating, and analyzing designs.

A key focus will be on CAE method development and improvement to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and integration of virtual product development outputs.

This position requires a strong theoretical background in CAE and hands-on expertise with industry-leading simulation tools.

The successful candidate will work within a dynamic, global team environment, collaborating with peers across different regions and interacting directly with design and release teams to bring innovative and safe automotive solutions to market.

**What you'll do...**

This role is responsible for the CAE method development and improvement, CAE support for Cockpit and Trim applications for programs throughout all phases of the product development process including Studio, Design, Validation and Launch.

+ **CAE Model Development, Analysis and Optimization:**
+ Develop and refine detailed Finite Element (FE) models of automotive body interior and their components using pre-processing software such as Hypermesh.
+ Conduct advanced dynamic non-linear CAE analyses, primarily using LS-DYNA and ABAQUS, to evaluate the structural integrity, crashworthiness, and occupant safety performance of body interior systems under various loading conditions.
+ Perform modal analysis using NASTRAN to understand the vibrational characteristics and natural frequencies of Cockpit and Trim structures, contributing to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance.
+ Analyze and interpret complex simulation results, providing actionable insights and recommendations for design optimization and performance improvement.
+ Ensure CAE models and simulations adhere to established modeling guidelines and industry best practices.
+ **Collaboration & Communication:**
+ Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Design and Release engineers (primary customer), technical specialists, and architecture CAE teams, to integrate CAE findings into the design process.
+ Engage with global engineering peers in Brazil, India, the US, and Mexico, fostering a collaborative and efficient development cycle.
+ Present CAE analysis results, conclusions, and recommendations clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
+ **Problem solving & Innovation:**
+ Contribute to the development and implementation of new CAE methodologies, tools, and processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and predictive capabilities.
+ Lead and participate in method improvement projects aimed at enhancing the correlation between CAE simulation results and physical test data, driving continuous improvement in prediction accuracy.
+ Develop best practices to improve overall Cockpit and Trim virtual validation process.
+ Actively research and integrate innovative CAE techniques and technologies, such as advanced material models and optimization strategies, to push the boundaries of body interior design and performance.
+ Extensively use of problem-solving tools and methodologies like 6 sigma, design thinking etc.
+ **Testing & Validation:**
+ Support physical testing activities by providing pre-test predictions and post-test correlation analysis.
+ Travel to test facilities as needed to support correlation efforts and gain firsthand understanding of physical test setups and results.

**You'll have...**

Minimum Requirements:

+ Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering , Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
+ 3+ years of CAE analysis experience in automotive cockpit and trim applications.
+ Strong theoretical understanding of fundamental CAE principles, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), structural mechanics, dynamics, and vibration.
+ Proven experience in developing and running dynamic non-linear explicit simulations, particularly for automotive body interior systems or similar complex structures.
+ Proficiency in CAE pre-processing software, specifically Hypermesh or ANSA, for model generation and setup.
+ Expertise in explicit finite element solvers, particularly LS-DYNA and ABAQUS for quasi-static and dynamic non-linear analysis.
+ Familiarity with automotive body interior design, materials, and performance requirements (e.g., strength, stiffness, frequency, durability, etc.).

**Even better, if you have …**

Preferred

+ Experience with optimization tools such as MODE FRONTIER or HEEDS.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice.

You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home?

Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills?

Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above?

No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more

• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases

• Tuition assistance

• Established and active employee resource groups

• Paid time off for individual and team community service

• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day

• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 7 - 8.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSRnon-HTHD

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-JT1

**Requisition ID** : 52510

Required Skill Profession

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