Seat Structures CAE Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Work with Program Design, safety, and CAE teams to develop first-, second-, and third-row seat systems for electric vehicle platforms .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $109,100 - $182,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in CAE modeling and analysis for seat systems in electric vehicles, with a strong foundation in engineering principles and safety standards. Proficient in using optimization tools and CAD software to develop and validate designs while ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CAE Model DevelopmentNastran AnalysisOptimization Tools ProficiencyCAD Software ExpertiseEngineering Fundamentals Application

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CAE Model CreationSeat System AnalysisData AnalysisDesign Improvement RecommendationsMaterial Systems Modeling

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsTime ManagementProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

HyperworksANSALS-PrepostHEEDsModeFRONTIEROptistructToscaInspireCATIA/3Dx

Certifications & Qualifications

B.S. Mechanical EngineeringM.S./Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Electric Vehicle PlatformsSafety StandardsU.S. Government RegulationsDOE/DFSS StudiesPost-Test Teardowns

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work with Program Design, safety, and CAE teams to develop first-, second-, and third-row seat systems for electric vehicle platforms
Develop CAE models to analyze seat strength and stiffness at seat and seat-on-body levels according to Ford modeling guidelines
Model seat mechanisms including recliners, latches, and tracks, and create various seat positions
Conduct DOE/DFSS studies using optimization tools to meet performance requirements while balancing cost and mass constraints
Support rapid concept development of new and emerging ideas
Work cross-functionally to identify and overcome technical challenges and meet requirements
Participate in post-test teardowns to correlate CAE results with physical tests
Ensure designs conform to safety standards and U.S. government regulations
Support creation of standard work procedures for quality models and simulation results
Post-process belt, bolt, weld, and sectional-force results and create animations to identify critical load paths
Participate in design reviews, present design concepts, and recommend design improvements

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. Mechanical Engineering or related field
5+ years of experience in creating and running CAE models for seat systems
Working knowledge and experience using CAE pre- and post-processing codes such as Hyperworks, ANSA, Primer, or LS-Prepost equivalent for geometry cleanup and meshing
Ability to run, debug, and post-process Nastran, LS-Dyna, or equivalent for CAE analysis
Ability to run one or more optimization tools: HEEDs, ModeFRONTIER, Optistruct, Tosca, Inspire, or ANSYS
Familiarity with CAD tools such as CATIA/3Dx and ability to use CAD to develop CAE models from scratch
Strong knowledge and application of engineering fundamentals
Proven ability to analyze data, draw appropriate conclusions, and make solid recommendations
Good communication and time management skills
Ability to prioritize and complete multiple assignments simultaneously
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
M.S./Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred
5–10+ years of experience in creating and running CAE models preferred
Expert knowledge of CAE preprocessing codes preferred
Expert knowledge of modeling and analysis of metals/plastics material systems and joining technologies preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time
Visa sponsorship available