General Motors

Senior Structural Hardware Engineer - ECU

General Motors$100K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with focus on solid mechanics and structural analysis
  • 5+ years experience in structural analysis/design of electronic enclosures or similar systems
  • Proficiency with CAE/FEA tools (Abaqus, ANSYS, Nastran) and data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python)
  • Strong understanding of stress, strain, and failure theories
  • Practical experience in correlating CAE models to physical test results

Responsibilities

  • Translate vehicle requirements into structural design constraints
  • Develop and execute structural simulation models to assess component durability
  • Perform vibration and shock analysis under various conditions
  • Evaluate designs for weight, stiffness, and manufacturability
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement design improvements
  • Develop validation plans and correlate CAE results with physical tests
  • Present analysis findings and recommendations to stakeholders

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Opportunity to lead the development of next-gen SDV technology
  • Exposure to advanced CAE and structural analysis techniques
  • Involvement in high-impact design projects
  • Potential for professional growth in automotive industry standards
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a high-performing Structural CAE Hardware Engineer interested in leading the in-house development of electronics design. You will be responsible for the structural analysis, durability, and validation of electrical controllers and supporting hardware for our next-generation SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) architecture. This role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional and external partners.

What You'll Do:
  • Translate CTQs / vehicle requirements into structural requirements and design constraints (vibration, shock, crash loads, mounting conditions, environmental exposure, etc.)
  • Develop and execute structural simulation models (linear/nonlinear FEA) to assess strength, stiffness, fatigue, and durability of ECU components and assemblies
  • Perform analyses for vibration, modal response, random vibration, mechanical shock, and mechanical integrity under various loading conditions
  • Evaluate and optimize designs for weight, stiffness, durability, and manufacturability
  • Support material selection, joint design, fasteners, and structural interfaces to ensure robust performance
  • Work with cross-functional teams (design, EE, manufacturing) to implement structural design improvements
  • Develop validation plans and correlate CAE results with physical test data (lab and vehicle level)
  • Provide structural inputs to DFMEA, DRBFM, and design reviews; clearly quantify risks, failure modes, and mitigations
  • Present analysis results, trade studies, and recommendations at PDTs, design reviews, and leadership updates

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline) with strong focus on solid mechanics and structural analysis
  • 5+ years of experience in structural analysis/design of electronic enclosures or similar systems (ECUs, automotive components, aerospace, or industrial products)
  • Hands-on experience with CAE/FEA tools (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, Nastran, HyperMesh, or equivalent) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or similar)


Strong understanding of:
  • Stress, strain, deformation, and failure theories
  • Linear and nonlinear FEA, contact modeling, and material modeling
  • Fatigue, durability, and vibration analysis (modal, harmonic, random vibration)
  • Bolted joints, welds, snap fits, and other mechanical connections
  • Material behavior (metals, plastics, composites) under thermal and mechanical loading
  • Practical experience correlating CAE models to physical test results (vibration tables, shock testing, durability testing)
  • Ability to interpret system loads and boundary conditions and collaborate closely with design and test teams
  • Strong communication skills; able to present complex structural analyses clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to work across cross-functional and global teams and manage multiple programs in parallel

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred):
  • MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Structures/Mechanics) or related field
  • Automotive experience with vibration, durability, and environmental standards
  • Experience with ECU housing design, packaging, and mechanical integration
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes (castings, injection molding, sheet metal, machining) and their structural implications
  • Experience integrating structural design into DFMEA/DRBFM/DFx processes
  • Knowledge of multi-physics interactions (structural + thermal coupling)
  • Prior work with ECU designs


#LI-JK3

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at General Motors

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Senior Structural Hardware Engineer - ECU jobs: