Virtual Design Development & Validation Engineer - Body Systems

Description
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.
The Role
The Body systems VDDV Engineer is responsible for supporting the move to virtual engineering by leading the design and integration of body and closures systems. This position is highly technical and collaborative, involving partner teams throughout Virtual Design Development and Validation (VDDV), Design, Vehicle Performance, Validation and Global Vehicle Hardware Engineering. The role deals with multiple emerging technologies, and constant pursuit of innovation is key to its success.
What You'll Do

• Perform structural analysis to lead and execute the development of new architectures and subsequent variants.
• Drive the design through appropriate analyses, deep dive efficient / integrated design solutions, provide clear design direction to partners and confirm performance.
• Responsible for creating and executing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) plans for assigned projects. Lead CAE suppliers and internal resources to meet program milestones and deliverables.
• Recommend viable design solutions to resolve any performance issues with mass & cost efficiency.
• Interface with the SMT, validation, structure integration, N&V, and safety integration engineers to assure balance of vehicle structure requirements and design solutions.
• Conduct topology optimization to identify architectural load paths to close the gap to requirements and implement enablers into the math released.
• Participate in Product Development Teams (PDTs) to provide technical guidance based on CAE analysis.
• Plan, support and implement development projects to enhance virtual methods.
• Enhance efficiency and quality by identifying / developing process automation tools.
• Help identify strategic opportunities for innovating processes and methods.
• Responsible for documenting analysis performance for program management and CAE report documentation (Virtual Validation) as required.
• Stay abreast of new technology, competitive products, and latest CAE tools/trends.
• Advocate for adoption of virtual methods for vehicle design, development, and validation.

Your Skills & Abilities

• BS Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Undergraduate coursework in Strength of Materials and Engineering Mechanics.
• 2+ years' experience in Linear Analysis (NASTRAN/OPTISTRUCT or equivalent), Quasi-Static Analysis (LS DYNA) and optimization / diagnostic tools (Genesis)
• Familiarity with a variety of CAE modeling tools.
• Exhibits appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to work effectively with business partners to meet mutual goals.
• Proven ability to work in teams, balancing technical theory with practical limitations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

What Will Give You the Competitive Edge

• MS in Engineering.
• 4+ years' experience in Linear Analysis (NASTRAN/OPTISTRUCT or equivalent), Quasi-Static Analysis (LS DYNA) and optimization / diagnostic tools (Genesis)
• Participation in collegiate/competitive teams such as Baja SAE (Mini Baja), Formula SAE, EcoCAR, PACE, or comparable programs.
• Familiarity with UG-NX CAD & CAE tools. Ability to interpret results and debug basic model issues.
• Familiarity with SDM/PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, IBM Rational Team Concert) for model storage, configuration, and traceability.
• Experience with one or more languages such as Python and/or C/C++. Ability to write clear, well-documented scripts/utilities to automate simulation workflows and data processing.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
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