Research Engineer: Catia Application Developer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

12h • $86,600 - $144,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is a Generalist-Integrator at the cutting edge of Smart Manufacturing. You will be "weaving" the results of one simulation into the starting conditions of the next. This is the essence of the end-to-end Digital Thread—ensuring that the final structural analysis isn't based on a perfect CAD model, but on a realistic model that has been virtually formed, welded, and baked. We seek an expert in Catia application development with a solid grasp of non-linear mechanics to architect a Manufacturing Digital Thread spanning Metal Forming (Stamping/Casting), Body Construction, and Paint. You will collaborate with domain experts to translate material physics into automated CAD/CAE applications, bridging engineering silos to optimize the structural attributes and minimize dimensional variation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Material Science and Engineering
• 2+ years of experience in industry and graduate study in application development using 3DExperience Catia CAA RADE
• Highly proficient in 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX)/Catia CAA tools using C++ with experience using Python and MATLAB for linking disparate data formats
• Knowledge of virtual manufacturing using CAE suites such as Ansys, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, or Nastran

Nice To Haves

• Strong foundation in Solid Mechanics (elasticity, plasticity), material deformation, and thermal-mechanical behavior.
• Deep understanding of stress-strain behavior, anisotropy in sheet metal, and phase transformations during welding or baking
• Proficiency of Monte Carlo simulations and Six Sigma principles to handle "variation" as a statistical input rather than a single deterministic value.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing to manage dimensional "stack-ups."

Responsibilities

• Apply 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX)/Catia CAA tools using C++ and Python to create custom architect linkage programs to automate data flow between simulation solvers (Hypermesh, LS-DYNA, AutoForm) and CAD environments.
• Ensure developed tools and data pipelines are robust and computationally efficient, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput for large-scale simulation data.
• Lead statistical sensitivity studies and Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize manufacturing robustness. Validate the accuracy and performance of 3DX implementations.
• Partner with Ford subject matter experts in forming, joining, and surface science to develop a unified digital twin for stamping, structural casting, and coating workflows.
• Streamline simulation run-times and automate data processing to enable 100% in-house feasibility validation and rapid design iterations.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level