Check out the research team at Kenda’s American Technical Center. The research team is looking for an FEA Specialist/Engineer to join us!

The research team is responsible for finding solutions that are used in all of Kenda’s North American and European products: from passenger car and light truck tires to high performance bicycle racing tires. You will leverage advanced simulation techniques to predict how tires will behave under various real-world conditions, reducing reliance on costly physical testing and accelerating product development. This role involves collaborating with design teams, interpreting results, validating simulations with physical tests, and contributing to design optimization and decision-making. You will be responsible for characterizing materials and structures and analyzing tire performance by use of finite element analysis.

Responsibilities

•Develop and validate FEA simulations of tire performance.

•Study and apply techniques to characterize performance attributes like tread wear, rolling resistance, noise, and vibration.

•Collaborate with design and engineering teams to refine prototypes and validate design solutions.

•Perform static and dynamic tire simulations using Abaqus.

•Provide technical and strategic mentoring for Kenda’s virtual engineering analysis efforts.

•Apply technical expertise to solve problems throughout the tire product lifecycle.

•Participate in team brainstorming and new technology development.

•Work with an internationally diverse team.

Education & Experience

•Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or related field with 15+ years experience.

•Ten+ years (Master’s) or 5+ years (PhD) of related engineering experience preferred.

•Experience in the rubber and/or tire industry preferred.

Skills

•Extensive knowledge and experience with solid mechanics, nonlinear finite element analysis and/or material mechanics.

•Experience with Abaqus or Hyperworks.

•Experience in writing scripts and subroutines for finite element codes.

•Programming experience with Python, C, and/or JavaScript.

•Strong verbal and technical writing skills.

•Established leadership ability and skills.

•Independent functioning, inquisitive, and flexible.

•Willing to learn new techniques, expand one’s knowledge.

•Willingness to travel.

Benefits

•Competitive salary depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

•Benefits package includes medical, dental, life, accident, critical care, and short-term & long-term disability insurances.

•401K retirement program with employer match.

•Paid holidays, sick time, vacation time and maternity/paternity leave.

•Employee purchase pricing on automotive, power sport and bicycle tires.

•Collaborative learning environment.

•Welcoming and relaxed office culture.

Kenda Overview

Kenda is a recognized leader in tire/wheel production, with over 12,000 employees worldwide, where quality, honesty, and customer service are core values. We offer premium performance at a value price in a variety of tire markets that include: passenger car and light truck, powersports, bicycle, wheelchair and specialty tires. This position is an opportunity to be part of a world-class organization, with excellent advancement and growth opportunities.

Headquartered in Taiwan, the company supplies original equipment to many international automotive industries. With tire factories in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, Kenda is currently ranked in the top 25 tire companies in the world with global sales of approximately US $1.2 billion.

Kenda American Technology Center

Kenda American Technology Center (KATC) is responsible for advancing Kenda’s global design capabilities and developing new automotive, powersport, and bicycle tires for the North American marketplace. KATC was established in 2014 and is located in North Canton, Ohio. KATC currently has a staff of 50 and is expected to grow to 70~80 employees as Kenda expands its North American customer base. Departments include Tire Development, Tire Research, Tire Testing, and Tire Materials. Facilities include a Tire Testing Laboratory, Rubber Mixing Laboratory and Material Analysis Laboratory in addition to the R&D office space.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.