Job Title:CAE Model Build Engineer – Full Vehicle (ANSA Expert)
Location:Irvine CA-Onsite
Rate: $60- $65 hr.
Experience:5–10 years (Automotive CAE Domain)
Department:CAE / Virtual Validation / Vehicle Engineering
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced CAE Model Build Engineerwith deep expertise in Full Vehicle (FV) model buildusing ANSA, covering domains such as Crash & Safety, Durability, NVH, and Vehicle Dynamics. The candidate will be responsible for building, validating, and managing large-scale FE models, ensuring accuracy, robustness, and consistency with OEM standards and simulation requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Full Vehicle FE model buildactivities from CAD data to solver-ready models.
- Execute pre-processing, assembly, meshing, and connectionsin ANSAfor multiple analysis disciplines.
- Work closely with simulation engineers to deliver validated, clean, and consistent models for Safety, Durability, NVH, and Dynamics simulations.
- Develop and maintain model build templates, macros, and automation scriptsto enhance productivity and repeatability.
- Conduct model integrity checks(mass balance, connectivity, boundary conditions, material & property validation).
- Interface with Design, CAD, and CAE domain leadsto resolve geometry, assembly, and connectivity issues.
- Support solver deck generation(LS-DYNA, Nastran, Abaqus, OptiStruct, etc.) and ensure compliance with project setup guidelines.
- Participate in model correlation and validationexercises with test data where applicable.
- Manage model data, revisions, and documentation within PLM/CAE data management systems (e.g., Teamcenter, SimManager).
- Provide mentoring and technical support to junior engineers on ANSA best practices and model build methodology.
Technical Skills Required
- Expert-level proficiency in ANSA(full vehicle assembly, connections, submodel creation, part management, scripting).
- Hands-on experience with Safety (Crash), Durability (Static/Fatigue), NVH (Modal/Frequency), and Dynamics (Ride & Handling)model build.
- Working knowledge of solverssuch as LS-DYNA, Nastran, Abaqus, or OptiStruct.
- Strong understanding of FE modeling principles, element quality checks, contact definitions, and loadcase management.
- Familiar with material modeling, joints, fasteners, adhesives, and spot weld representations.
- Exposure to automation tools or scripting languages(Python, ANSA scripts, tcl).
- Experience in CAE data management systems(Teamcenter, SimManager, or equivalent).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Automotive / Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience with OEM-level full vehicle model integrationor supplier-level model build support.
- Knowledge of CAD to CAE workflows, model correlation, and DVP&R processes.
- Familiarity with multi-domain vehicle simulation environmentsand cross-functional collaboration.
- Prior involvement in CAE harmonization or process automation projectswill be a plus.
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver high-quality output under tight timelines.
- Strong documentation and configuration management discipline
