Kasmo Global
CAE Engineer
Location: Newark, CA or Detroit, MI
Job Type: Contract, Long term
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled CAE Engineer - Automotive Closures to support the design and development of structural body components including hoods, fenders, doors, decklids, and tailgates. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in aluminum or composite design, as well as closure systems involving hinges and kinematic requirements. You will work closely with cross-functional teams from concept to production, integrating CAE analysis to optimize structural performance, manufacturability, and cost.
Key Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Skills:
Location: Newark, CA or Detroit, MI
Job Type: Contract, Long term
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled CAE Engineer - Automotive Closures to support the design and development of structural body components including hoods, fenders, doors, decklids, and tailgates. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in aluminum or composite design, as well as closure systems involving hinges and kinematic requirements. You will work closely with cross-functional teams from concept to production, integrating CAE analysis to optimize structural performance, manufacturability, and cost.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and develop closure structural parts (hoods, fenders, doors, decklids, tailgates), from concept to production.
- Focus on aluminum and/or composite material applications with knowledge of hinge and kinematic functionality.
- Apply advanced CAE tools to evaluate structural performance, NVH, and durability targets.
- Interpret analysis results and collaborate with the design team to evolve and optimize CAD models.
- Coordinate virtual validation and physical testing plans to verify design integrity and performance.
- Collaborate with attribute owners (Vehicle Safety, NVH, Durability, Dynamics) to ensure performance alignment.
- Work closely with manufacturing teams to validate tooling, assembly feasibility, and process optimization.
- Conduct design benchmarking activities for material, section properties, and competitive analysis.
- Use GD&T to determine necessary tolerances for manufacturing.
- Interface with suppliers and internal teams to support tool buy-offs and part changes.
- Provide direction and support to junior engineers and team members.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in closure systems design (OEM or Tier 1 Supplier level preferred).
- Proven hands-on experience in Class A surface modeling and prototype assembly.
- Proficiency in CAE tools (such as ANSA, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, HyperMesh, NASTRAN).
- Experience in full product lifecycle development: concept → prototype → production.
- Familiarity with DFMEA, DVP&R, and related engineering validation frameworks.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional and global teams.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with lightweight materials such as aluminum and composites.
- Knowledge of stamping and joining technologies.
- Previous experience supporting supplier and tool validation efforts.
- Strong knowledge of kinematics, structural analysis, and GD&T principles.