General Motors

VDDV Modeling Technical Specialist

General Motors • $100K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of engineering experience with expertise in virtual engineering (CAE) tools and structural FEA modeling.
  • Expertise in CAE tools like LS-Dyna, Abaqus, and OptiStruct.
  • Proven experience defining and implementing technical standards across teams.
  • Ability to lead and influence without direct organizational authority.
  • Proven track record of translating emerging technologies into engineering applications.
  • Strong mentoring skills in advanced modeling and quality standards.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as GM's subject matter expert in 3D finite element analysis (FEA) across various physics domains.
  • Define and improve enterprise modeling standards and best practices for CAE development.
  • Drive strategic direction for next-generation modeling capabilities and toolkits.
  • Lead resolution of complex modeling challenges across vehicle systems and development programs.
  • Implement improvements in simulation capability and model quality through new technologies.
  • Align global VDDV teams and cross-functional partners to enhance integrated simulation workflows.
  • Benchmark GM's methods against industry leaders to ensure competitive advantage.
  • Collaborate with software suppliers to enhance tool capabilities for GM's needs.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with required in-office attendance at least three times a week.
  • Opportunity for continuous professional development and mentorship.
  • Influence on cutting-edge virtual engineering practices.
  • Ability to work with industry leaders and top engineering talents.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Relocation:

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The Role:

The Global VDDV/CAE Modeling Technical Specialist serves as GM's highest-level technical authority in 3D finite element modeling methods supporting structural, safety, and NVH development. This role defines enterprise modeling strategy, standards, and long-term capability direction across global VDDV and partner engineering organizations. The Technical Specialist delivers measurable business impact through improved model fidelity, efficiency, reuse, automation, and reduced dependence on physical development testing while advancing GM's leadership in virtual engineering.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):

  • Serve as GM's global technical authority and subject matter expert for subsystem- and vehicle-level 3D FEA modeling methods across multiple physics domains and solver environments, including LS-Dyna, OptiStruct, and Abaqus.


  • Define, govern, and continuously improve enterprise modeling standards, best practices, quality criteria, and technical roadmaps for CAE model development, integration, and reuse.


  • Set strategic technical direction for next-generation modeling capabilities, including pre-processing, process automation, simulation process and data management, and custom GM toolkits.


  • Lead resolution of the organization's most complex and ambiguous modeling challenges, including issues that span multiple vehicle systems, functions, suppliers, or development programs.


  • Drive step-change improvements in simulation capability, model quality, throughput, and hardware avoidance by translating new tools, methods, and emerging technologies into scalable GM applications.


  • Influence and align global VDDV teams, technical specialists in adjacent functions, and cross-functional partners to close workflow gaps and enable integrated vehicle simulation.


  • Benchmark GM methods and tools against industry leaders, competitors, suppliers, and external technical forums to ensure GM remains at the forefront of virtual engineering.


  • Partner with software suppliers to shape product roadmaps and advance tool capabilities in areas that are strategically important to GM.


  • Mentor and elevate the technical capability of VDDV engineers through coaching, method development, technical reviews, and deployment of best-in-class modeling practices.


  • Serve as a technical review and escalation authority for global VDDV peer reviews and other critical technical decision forums.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a related engineering discipline.


  • 10+ years of industry and engineering experience with deep expertise in virtual engineering (CAE) tools, methods, and structural FEA modeling.


  • Recognized technical depth in CAE structural analysis tools such as ANSA/META, LS-Dyna, Abaqus, OptiStruct, Nastran, NX, HyperMesh, SimLab, or equivalent platforms.


  • Demonstrated record of defining and implementing technical standards, methods, or processes that are adopted across multiple teams or organizations.


  • Demonstrated ability to lead through technical influence, including aligning stakeholders across functions without direct organizational authority.


  • Proven ability to translate emerging technologies, tools, and methods into practical engineering applications that deliver measurable business results.


  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and mentor others in the deployment of advanced modeling methods and quality standards.


  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence senior technical and business stakeholders.


  • Proven pattern of professional behavior supported by strong business results and sustained technical leadership.


  • Ability to connect with and leverage external technical resources, including software suppliers, business consortia, SAE, and other industry partners.


  • Recognition among peers as a technical leader with broad credibility inside and beyond the immediate work group.


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

  • 15+ years of industry and engineering experience, including 5+ years in structures, safety, NVH, or closely related vehicle development disciplines.


  • Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a related field.


  • Master Black Belt certification.


  • Experience leading enterprise improvements in simulation process and data management, FEA pre-processing, process automation, or custom engineering toolkit development.


  • External technical visibility through supplier collaboration, technical consortia, conference participation, standards activity, or published technical work.


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}.This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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