Simulation Engineer I

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Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Our diverse team of talented employees in 38 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better™ by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks #179 on the Fortune 500. 

Job Overview

We are looking for a highly skilled Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer with strong experience in automotive seat and restraint system simulations.

The ideal candidate has hands-on expertise with LS-DYNA, HyperWorks, and OptiStruct, and has worked on OEM-level projects, preferably with premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz.

You will play a key role in the development, validation, and optimization of automotive seat structures to meet safety, comfort, and regulatory requirements, collaborating closely with design engineers, project managers, and OEM stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced FEA simulations for automotive seat systems (frames, recliners, tracks, headrests, foam, trims, …)

• Conduct safety-related simulations, including:

  • Static & dynamic load cases

  • FMVSS / ECE / NCAP seat requirements

  • Crash and sled simulations (LS-DYNA)

• Build, modify, and validate FE models using HyperMesh

• Run and interpret nonlinear simulations using LS-DYNA

• Perform structural optimization using OptiStruct

• Correlate simulation results with physical test data

• Prepare clear technical reports and presentations for internal teams and OEM customers

• Support design optimization and cost/weight reduction initiatives

• Participate in OEM technical discussions, reviews, and milestone meetings

• Mentor junior CAE engineers when required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field

• 3–10+ years of hands-on experience in automotive FEA

• Strong expertise in:

  • LS-DYNA

  • HyperWorks / HyperMesh

  • OptiStruct

• Proven experience in automotive seat or interior system analysis

• Prior exposure to OEM projects, preferably Mercedes-Benz or other premium OEMs

• Solid understanding of:

  • Nonlinear material behavior

  • Contacts, constraints, and failure criteria

  • Metal, plastic, and foam modeling

• Very good spoken and written English

• Strong communication and presentation skills

Soft Skills & Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset

• High attention to detail and engineering discipline

• Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly

• Comfortable working under tight timelines

• Team-oriented with a proactive attitude