CAE Engineer Jobs in Michigan
CAE Engineer jobs in Michigan are among the most active in the country, concentrated in automotive engineering, defense systems, and industrial manufacturing across a range from entry-level simulation analysts through senior technical leads. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Warren anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis maintain large engineering centers that continuously recruit cae engineers. Finite element analysis, crash simulation, and NVH modeling are the sub-areas commanding the most consistent demand across Michigan. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find CAE Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13+ CAE Engineer jobs
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
We are seeking a talented and detail-oriented Automotive Structures CAE Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for performing finite element analysis (FEA) and structural optimization to support the design, development, and validation of Unibody and Body-on-Frame structures and components. You will work closely with design, test, and program engineering teams to deliver lightweight, durable, and safety-compliant structural solutions.
What you'll do...
Perform linear and nonlinear finite element analysis on automotive body structures, chassis components, and subsystems to evaluate strength, stiffness, durability, NVH, and crashworthiness performance.
Apply CAE tools throughout the design cycle to support design decisions, identify potential structural issues early, and recommend design improvements.
Conduct structural topology, topography, size, and shape optimization studies to achieve mass reduction targets while meeting performance and manufacturing constraints.
Build and refine finite element models (meshing, material assignment, boundary conditions, load cases) for complex structural assemblies.
Utilize multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO) processes to balance competing performance requirements such as mass, stiffness, durability, and cost.
Correlate CAE predictions with physical test data and refine modeling methods/assumptions to improve simulation accuracy.
Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineers, test engineers, and program managers to communicate analysis results and recommendations.
Document analysis methodologies, assumptions, and results in technical reports and design review presentations.
Support root-cause investigations for structural performance issues identified during testing or field use.
Stay current with industry best practices, emerging simulation methods, and software capabilities in structural CAE and optimization.
You'll have...
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (required).
- 3 years of relevant industry experience in automotive or related structural CAE applications (adjust based on level: entry, mid, or senior).
- Familiarity with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.
- Experience supporting vehicle programs from concept through production launch.
- Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as NASTRAN, ABAQUS, and OptiStruct.
- Demonstrated experience applying FEA tools for structural design analysis, including linear statics, modal, buckling, fatigue, and/or nonlinear analysis.
- Hands-on experience using OptiStruct and modeFRONTIER (or similar tools) for structural optimization, including topology, topography, size, and shape optimization.
- Experience with multi-disciplinary design optimization (MDO) processes and workflows.
- Familiarity with pre/post-processing tools (e.g., HyperMesh, HyperView, ANSA) for model building and results interpretation.
- Understanding of automotive structural design requirements, including durability, crashworthiness, and NVH considerations.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and their impact on structural design (e.g., stamping, casting, joining methods).
Even better, if you have …
Preferred
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret and communicate complex technical results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience with scripting or automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or tool-specific scripting languages) is a plus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced team environment.
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- 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 and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 6-8 and ranges from $74,300 - $166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#VehicleHardwareEngineering
#LI-JT1
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
We are seeking a talented and detail-oriented Automotive Structures CAE Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for performing finite element analysis (FEA) and structural optimization to support the design, development, and validation of Unibody and Body-on-Frame structures and components. You will work closely with design, test, and program engineering teams to deliver lightweight, durable, and safety-compliant structural solutions.
What you'll do...
Perform linear and nonlinear finite element analysis on automotive body structures, chassis components, and subsystems to evaluate strength, stiffness, durability, NVH, and crashworthiness performance.
Apply CAE tools throughout the design cycle to support design decisions, identify potential structural issues early, and recommend design improvements.
Conduct structural topology, topography, size, and shape optimization studies to achieve mass reduction targets while meeting performance and manufacturing constraints.
Build and refine finite element models (meshing, material assignment, boundary conditions, load cases) for complex structural assemblies.
Utilize multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO) processes to balance competing performance requirements such as mass, stiffness, durability, and cost.
Correlate CAE predictions with physical test data and refine modeling methods/assumptions to improve simulation accuracy.
Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineers, test engineers, and program managers to communicate analysis results and recommendations.
Document analysis methodologies, assumptions, and results in technical reports and design review presentations.
Support root-cause investigations for structural performance issues identified during testing or field use.
Stay current with industry best practices, emerging simulation methods, and software capabilities in structural CAE and optimization.
You'll have...
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (required).
- 3 years of relevant industry experience in automotive or related structural CAE applications (adjust based on level: entry, mid, or senior).
- Familiarity with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.
- Experience supporting vehicle programs from concept through production launch.
- Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as NASTRAN, ABAQUS, and OptiStruct.
- Demonstrated experience applying FEA tools for structural design analysis, including linear statics, modal, buckling, fatigue, and/or nonlinear analysis.
- Hands-on experience using OptiStruct and modeFRONTIER (or similar tools) for structural optimization, including topology, topography, size, and shape optimization.
- Experience with multi-disciplinary design optimization (MDO) processes and workflows.
- Familiarity with pre/post-processing tools (e.g., HyperMesh, HyperView, ANSA) for model building and results interpretation.
- Understanding of automotive structural design requirements, including durability, crashworthiness, and NVH considerations.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and their impact on structural design (e.g., stamping, casting, joining methods).
Even better, if you have …
Preferred
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret and communicate complex technical results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience with scripting or automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or tool-specific scripting languages) is a plus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced team environment.
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- 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 and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 6-8 and ranges from $74,300 - $166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#VehicleHardwareEngineering
#LI-JT1
See All 13 CAE Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAE Engineer JobsCAE Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAE Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Electronics & Hardware
- Banking & Financial Services
- Energy
- Manufacturing
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAE engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in CAE software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Altair HyperWorks
- Experience with finite element analysis, structural simulation, or crash modeling
- Familiarity with automotive product development processes and OEM standards
- Ability to interpret CAD geometry and collaborate with design and test engineering teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional technical reporting
CAE Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cae engineer in Michigan?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering from an accredited program is the standard entry point for cae engineer roles in Michigan. No state-issued license is required to work as a cae engineer, though Michigan's heavily automotive industry means employers prioritize hands-on experience with simulation tools and OEM project exposure. Completing relevant coursework in FEA, dynamics, or materials, combined with internship experience at a Michigan automotive supplier or OEM, substantially strengthens a candidate's standing.
How much do CAE engineers make in Michigan?
CAE engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $104,890 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $76,310 for the lowest 10% to over $159,840 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cae engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring cae engineers in Michigan right now include General Motors (GM), Stellantis, and Rivian, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's deep concentration of automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers means engineering service firms and product development contractors also post cae engineer openings regularly alongside the large household names.
Which Michigan cities have the most cae engineer jobs?
Warren, Auburn Hills, and Farmington Hills account for the largest share of cae engineer openings in Michigan. The Detroit metro drives the bulk of demand because Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and their extended supplier networks are headquartered or heavily staffed there, while Ann Arbor draws postings through university-linked research centers and the technology-oriented engineering firms that cluster around it.
Are there remote cae engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, though they represent a smaller share than in purely software-focused fields because cae work often ties to physical test correlation and lab access. About 33% of cae engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common than fully remote. Pre-processing, post-processing, and model-building tasks are the portions of the role most likely to be approved for off-site work by Michigan employers.
How can I get hired as a cae engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a co-op or internship through Michigan's large automotive OEMs, which run structured programs specifically for engineering students without professional experience. Ford and General Motors both operate campus recruiting pipelines that convert interns to full-time hires. Entry-level simulation analyst and product validation engineer titles are the roles that consistently accept recent graduates. Building a portfolio of FEA or CFD projects using open-source or academic software, and pursuing a certification in a widely used tool such as ANSYS, gives candidates a measurable edge in Michigan screening processes.
Where can I find and apply to cae engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to cae engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 13 CAE Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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