The Technical Expert – Propulsion Virtual Engineering serves as a subject matter expert and operational team lead providing virtual simulation services to meet global virtual engineering needs. This role leads, plans, and executes virtual engineering activities across conventional (ICE), hybrid, and fully electrified propulsion systems (Battery, EDM, Driveline).

The ideal candidate blends deep multi-physics CAE technical expertise with rigorous program management to ensure all functional requirements are achieved within global program timelines while maintaining strict First Time Right (FTR) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance standards.

Key Responsibilities & Performance Expectations

Technical Leadership & Program Execution

• Program Execution Lead: Plan, lead, and execute full propulsion program CAE deliverables across global milestones, ensuring alignment with timing and functional targets.

• Performance Metrics: Drive team adherence to strict First Time Right (FTR) quality checks and On-Time Delivery (OTD) targets across all virtual engineering work orders.

• Team Leadership & Governance: Oversee a team of CAE and system simulation engineers, distribute assignments, conduct technical design reviews, and mentor engineering staff.

CAE & Structural Analysis (FEA Focus)

Direct and execute component-, sub-system-, and system-level FEA/CAE simulations across key domains and physical subsystems:

• Physics Domains: NVH, Structural Durability, Fatigue, Thermal, Sealing, Bolt Strength/Preload, Lubrication, Hydraulics, Electromagnetic (EM), and Electrochemistry.

• Subsystems: Internal Combustion Engines, Transmissions, Axles & Drivelines, Traction Batteries, Electric Drive Modules (EDM), and Engine Ancillary Systems.

Propulsion System-Level Analysis

• Perform full-vehicle and system-level virtual assessments including $CO_2$ emissions, dynamic performance, electric range, driveability, duty cycle generation, and Vehicle Energy Management (VEM).

• Support High Voltage (HV) electrical architectural system evaluations and trade-off studies.

Innovation, Automation & Capability Building

• Drive parametric modeling, morphing, CAD/CAE integration, and concept development for early-stage weight and structural optimization.

• Develop automated CAE workflows, scripts, and AI/Machine Learning tools to streamline repeating analysis tasks.

• Integrate 3D digital scanning data into simulation workflows and establish new virtual testing capabilities for emerging propulsion technologies.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related computational engineering discipline.

• Preferred: Master’s degree or Ph.D.

Experience

• 10–13+ years of professional experience in virtual engineering/CAE within the automotive or propulsion industry.

• 6+ years in a technical leadership, program execution lead, or supervisory engineering role.

• Proven track record of managing global engineering service deliverables with strict SLA/KPI tracking (e.g., FTR, OTD).

Preferred Software Toolset Familiarity

• FEA / Durability / NVH: Abaqus, ANSYS, Nastran, LS-DYNA, nCode, HyperMesh/Pre-processors

• System Simulation & Energy Management: GT-SUITE, MATLAB/Simulink, Amesim, CarSim

• Thermal / Fluids / Electromagnetics: STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, Ansys Maxwell, JMAG

• Automation & Parametrics: Python, Tcl/Tk, Ansa Morphing, OptiStruct, Isight