General Motors

Structures and Chassis CAE Engineer - GM Defense

General Motors$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Civil Engineering, or Physics.
  • 5+ years of experience in product design and CAE.
  • Experience mentoring and providing technical leadership in CAE contexts.
  • Familiarity with CAE optimization and automation using programming languages.
  • Strong foundational knowledge in mechanics, physics, metallurgy, and other engineering principles.
  • Proficiency in CAE modeling tools like HyperWorks or ANSA.
  • Experience with linear and non-linear CAE analysis software such as NASTRAN and Abaqus.
  • Understanding of structural fatigue theory and related tools.

Responsibilities

  • Perform CAE analyses for vehicle program execution and technology development.
  • Support component test development, root cause analysis, and solution resolution.
  • Conduct fatigue analysis driving physical testing for structural components.
  • Document and archive analysis models and results systematically.
  • Present analysis results and provide actionable design recommendations.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams on developing new components and systems.
  • Lead supplier CAE coordination, supporting Statement of Requirements processes.
  • Maintain and update the CAE sections of development and validation plans.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model requiring in-office presence at least three times per week.
  • Opportunities for technical leadership in an advanced engineering environment.
  • Involvement with cutting-edge CAE methods and technology development.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

The Structures and Chassis CAE Engineer supports GM Defense by applying finite element analysis tools and methods to the design and development of body structure, RESS structure, chassis structure, suspension, steering components, and other vehicle structures. This role leads analysis activities that assess strength, static and dynamic stiffness, durability, and noise and vibration performance, and translates results into clear design recommendations.

What You'll Do
  • Perform CAE analyses to support vehicle program execution and technology development across structural systems.
  • Support component and subsystem test development, root cause analysis, and issue resolution.
  • Perform fatigue analysis and develop block cycles used to drive physical testing for chassis, suspension, RESS, and related structural components.
  • Create, document, and archive analysis models and results.
  • Present results and provide actionable recommendations to support virtual reviews and program decision-making.
  • Participate in Chassis Structure, Suspension, Steering, Structures Product Development, Vehicle Dynamics, and Noise and Vibration Performance Integration teams.
  • Work closely with design engineers to develop new components and subsystems, define system requirements, and deliver technical solutions for current and future programs.
  • Lead coordinated supplier CAE activities and support the Statement of Requirements process.
  • Develop, maintain, and update the CAE portions of analysis, development, and validation plans.
  • Provide technical leadership for advanced technology development, contribute to new CAE methods and techniques, and stay current with emerging tools, trends, and competitive products.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or Physics.
  • 5+ years of related experience in product design and the CAE field.
  • Experience mentoring others and providing technical leadership in a CAE-focused environment.
  • Familiarity with optimization, DOE, and automation of CAE workflows using tools such as Python, Tcl/Tk, AI/ML or similar to enable efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and drive rapid product development.
  • Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals relevant to the role, such as mechanics, physics, metallurgy, manufacturing methods, electronics, software, or control systems.
  • Experience with CAE modeling tools such as HyperWorks and/or ANSA.
  • Experience with linear and non-linear CAE analysis tools such as NASTRAN, OptiStruct, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, and/or Adams.
  • Experience with structural fatigue theory, tools, and methods, including DesignLife and/or nCode.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound analytical judgment, and the ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems while working effectively across teams.
  • Candidate must either be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required export control authorization.


What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Master's degree in Engineering
  • Engineering design and release experience
  • Optimization integration into product design and development
  • Previous Defense industry experience


#GMD
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.The selected candidate will be required to travel

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.

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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

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