Senior CAE Engineer, Robotics, San Jose
About The Position
Develop and analyze comprehensive finite element models for robotic systems, from individual components to full assemblies Conduct static, dynamic, structural, and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to evaluate performance against key requirements for strength, stiffness, durability, and manipulation accuracy Guide mechanical design teams with actionable insights and design direction based on rigorous analysis Optimize structural designs to minimize weight while maximizing stiffness, reliability, and performance under real-world operational loads Define and analyze load cases for manipulation tasks, impacts, handling scenarios, and day-to-day operations Validate FEA models through experimental testing and iterate based on physical performance data Challenge traditional CAE methods and pioneer more efficient, accurate approaches for robotic systems Collaborate with controls engineers to understand dynamic load profiles and system-level performance requirements Support root cause analysis and failure investigation for production issues Develop CAE workflows, best practices, and documentation to scale analysis capabilities across the team
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or related field with 5+ years of experience OR Master's degree with 3+ years of experience OR PhD in designing and analyzing mechanical systems using FEA and CAE tools
- 3+ years of experience in designing and analyzing mechanical systems using FEA and CAE tools
- Strong fundamentals in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, and material science
- Proficiency in CAE software (Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, COMSOL, OptiStruct, or equivalent)
- Experience with both implicit and explicit finite element analysis
- Demonstrated ability to conduct static, dynamic, and durability analyses
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and ability to translate analysis into actionable design recommendations
- Experience with experimental validation methods and correlation between simulation and physical testing
- Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
- Self-motivated problem solver who can work independently on challenging technical problems
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Experience in robotics, automation, or mechatronics industries
- Proficiency with multi-body dynamics simulation (ADAMS, MuJoCo, PyBullet)
- Experience analyzing aluminum structures, composites, and advanced materials
- Knowledge of advanced joining methods (adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners)
- Expertise in non-linear analysis, contact mechanics, and material characterization
- Proficiency in programming/scripting for automation (Python, MATLAB)
- Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, OnShape, CATIA, NX, etc.)
- Familiarity with structural dynamics, vibration analysis, and modal testing
- Experience with thermal-structural coupling and multi-physics simulations
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
- Knowledge of fatigue analysis and life prediction methodologies
Responsibilities
- Develop and analyze comprehensive finite element models for robotic systems, from individual components to full assemblies
- Conduct static, dynamic, structural, and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to evaluate performance against key requirements for strength, stiffness, durability, and manipulation accuracy
- Guide mechanical design teams with actionable insights and design direction based on rigorous analysis
- Optimize structural designs to minimize weight while maximizing stiffness, reliability, and performance under real-world operational loads
- Define and analyze load cases for manipulation tasks, impacts, handling scenarios, and day-to-day operations
- Validate FEA models through experimental testing and iterate based on physical performance data
- Challenge traditional CAE methods and pioneer more efficient, accurate approaches for robotic systems
- Collaborate with controls engineers to understand dynamic load profiles and system-level performance requirements
- Support root cause analysis and failure investigation for production issues
- Develop CAE workflows, best practices, and documentation to scale analysis capabilities across the team
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
