Virtual Analysis Engineer
About The Position
The Virtual Analysis Engineer – Vehicle Dynamics leads CAE and virtual analysis throughout all phases of vehicle program development. The role focuses on steering and suspension hardpoint development, component performance, stiffness and damping specifications, tire characteristics, and ride and handling optimization across vehicle variants. The engineer develops and validates vehicle and subsystem simulation models, evaluates vehicle dynamics performance, and provides data-driven design recommendations to achieve vehicle functional objectives. The work aims to reduce vehicle and suspension sensitivity to road-induced forces, assembly variation, vehicle architecture differences, and component wear while improving ride quality, handling, stability, and performance. The position involves analyzing and optimizing steering and suspension systems, assessing vehicle handling and ride behavior, calculating component loads, and correlating simulation results with physical test data. The engineer also supports physical mule testing, vehicle tuning, and driving simulator studies; develops CAE methods and automation; and communicates findings and recommendations to management and cross-functional engineering teams. The role is onsite in Auburn Hills, Michigan, at a pay rate of $40–$43 per hour.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent degree from an accredited university.
- Practical experience with suspension, steering, and brake system analysis, including kinematics, compliance, vibration, ride and handling, and component structural analysis.
- Demonstrated understanding of vehicle dynamics theory and its practical application to vehicle development.
- Experience developing, validating, and interpreting vehicle or subsystem simulation models.
- Working knowledge of relevant CAE and simulation tools, including ADAMS/Car, Altair HyperWorks, NASTRAN, CarSim, VI-Car RealTime, and MATLAB.
- Ability to analyze engineering data, identify performance issues, and formulate technically sound design recommendations.
- Strong problem-solving skills, initiative, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent English communication skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and presenting technical findings.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with CarSim vehicle dynamics simulation software.
- Experience developing custom engineering routines using Visual Basic, ADAMS command files, ADAMS/Car templates, or MATLAB.
- Familiarity with DFMEA and engineering risk assessment methodologies.
- Experience with NX, Teamcenter, and CoDeP for extracting component and assembly information.
- Experience supporting physical vehicle testing, simulator studies, and correlation between virtual analysis and real-world performance.
Responsibilities
- Perform kinematic and compliance (K&C) analysis and optimize steering and suspension subsystems.
- Conduct steady-state and transient vehicle handling assessments, including Fishhook, Trailer Tow, Slow Ramp Steer, Step Steer, and off-road events associated with Trail Rating.
- Calculate component loads and evaluate system behavior under different vehicle handling and operating conditions.
- Simulate ride events and characterize performance across low- and high-frequency inputs, impact harshness, braking-induced pitch, head toss, shimmy, wander, and brake judder.
- Develop, validate, maintain, and own full-vehicle and subsystem simulation models using multibody dynamics, parametric simulation, and flexible-body modeling techniques.
- Use CAE and simulation tools to support virtual engineering activities.
- Develop and support remote simulation models and provide onsite engineering support for driving simulator studies.
- Plan and execute analytical support for physical mule testing and vehicle tuning programs.
- Correlate simulation results with physical test data and recommend design improvements to meet ride and handling targets.
- Develop and enhance CAE methodologies, simulation workflows, and custom automation routines to improve engineering efficiency.
- Extract and use component and assembly data from NX, Teamcenter, and CoDeP.
- Communicate technical findings, analysis results, and design recommendations to management and cross-functional engineering teams.
- Apply vehicle dynamics fundamentals, structured problem-solving methods, and DFMEA principles to support robust vehicle development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
