STEM OPT CAE Engineer Jobs
CAE Engineer roles in simulation, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamics qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension under CIP codes in mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree field must directly support the engineering analysis work you'll perform.
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CAE Engineer
Position Description:
We are looking for an experienced structural CAE engineer to lead high-voltage battery internals and related system structural design using CAE tools. You will work with battery design and release engineers on cutting-edge battery technologies to ensure the battery functional environment operates within specified conditions. As a collaborative team player, you will create impact by working across the Electrified Powertrain Engineering organization and with key stakeholders of the battery business. Global Electrified Powertrain Engineering Team is a growing team committed to bringing efficiency and value into the battery architecture through close collaboration with global suppliers. Together, our team works to understand our changing world, identify new opportunities, and take action to design and innovate for the future of mobility - vehicles and surrounding experiences.
Skills Required:
- Abaqus - Primary FEA solver (required)
- HyperMesh - Pre-processing, meshing, and model setup
- nCode or fe-safe - Fatigue and durability analysis
Experience Required:
- 4+ years of experience working with structural components and designs in an engineering environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering.
- Broad experience using ABAQUS, Hypermesh, ncode or FeSafe and 3DX.
- Minimum of 3 years of working in Abaqus performing non-linear FEA, 5 preferred.
Experience Preferred:
- 5 or more years of experience specifically in CAE structural modeling and simulation analysis techniques using ABAQUS or equivalent, including experience selecting appropriate solution procedures for complex non-linear problems.
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent degree.
- Working knowledge of ABAQUS, OptiStruct Non-Linear, HyperMesh, HyperView, ABAQUS Viewer, Teamcenter, 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), or equivalent tools (ANSYS, etc.).
- Working knowledge of CAE tools for fatigue assessments such as FEMFAT, nCode, fe-safe, or equivalent.
- Strong experience in correlating complex non-linear CAE models with physical test data, including sensitivity analysis and model tuning for improved accuracy.
- Extensive knowledge of various structural materials, high-strength material behavior, energy flow theory and analysis methods, fracture mechanics, and crack initiation/propagation.
- Working knowledge and experience using CAE pre-processing tools such as HyperMesh or equivalent for geometry cleanup and meshing, and ABAQUS, Nastran, or equivalent for CAE model solving and post-processing.
- Proficiency in ABAQUS scripting (Python) for model automation and advanced post-processing.
- Familiarity with sheet metal design specifications, sealing design, structural testing setup, and data collection.
- Familiarity with thermal-mechanical coupled analysis that considers temperature-dependent material properties, thermal expansion, and effects on structural integrity.
- Proven record of innovative applications and ability to introduce new ideas for product development.
- Working knowledge of optimization CAE tools such as modeFRONTIER, iSight, HEEDS, Tosca, or OptiStruct.
- Experience in physical testing is a plus.
- Ability to mentor junior engineers and collaborate effectively as a team player.
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with variability, robustness, and Six Sigma methodologies.
Education Required:
MASTER'S DEGREE (w/ FEA courses taken)
Additional Information:
POSITION IS HYBRID / (4 days per week in the office / Monday to Thursday)
- Build 3D battery internal structural analysis CAE models from CAD designs.
- Debug complex finite element (FE) models independently.
- Perform 3D structural simulations on high-voltage battery packs at the system, subsystem, and component levels to support internal design development, utilizing non-linear FEA codes such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, or OptiStruct Non-Linear, including pre- and post-processing with HyperMesh, HyperView, and ABAQUS Viewer.
- Evaluate 3D structural analysis results and provide technical feedback and design direction to vehicle program and battery pack design teams.
- Collaborate with vehicle-level teams to obtain boundary conditions for battery pack structural-level simulations.
- Partner with battery lab and vehicle-level testing teams; specify instrumentation for data collection; process physical structural test results and use the data to correlate CAE models.
- Coordinate with extended overseas CAE teams for meshing and geometric cleanup tasks.
- Compile professional, organized, and structured reports detailing completed CAE work, including recommendations and conclusions.
Job Title:
CAE Engineer
Position Description:
We are looking for an experienced structural CAE engineer to lead high-voltage battery internals and related system structural design using CAE tools. You will work with battery design and release engineers on cutting-edge battery technologies to ensure the battery functional environment operates within specified conditions. As a collaborative team player, you will create impact by working across the Electrified Powertrain Engineering organization and with key stakeholders of the battery business. Global Electrified Powertrain Engineering Team is a growing team committed to bringing efficiency and value into the battery architecture through close collaboration with global suppliers. Together, our team works to understand our changing world, identify new opportunities, and take action to design and innovate for the future of mobility - vehicles and surrounding experiences.
Skills Required:
- Abaqus - Primary FEA solver (required)
- HyperMesh - Pre-processing, meshing, and model setup
- nCode or fe-safe - Fatigue and durability analysis
Experience Required:
- 4+ years of experience working with structural components and designs in an engineering environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering.
- Broad experience using ABAQUS, Hypermesh, ncode or FeSafe and 3DX.
- Minimum of 3 years of working in Abaqus performing non-linear FEA, 5 preferred.
Experience Preferred:
- 5 or more years of experience specifically in CAE structural modeling and simulation analysis techniques using ABAQUS or equivalent, including experience selecting appropriate solution procedures for complex non-linear problems.
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent degree.
- Working knowledge of ABAQUS, OptiStruct Non-Linear, HyperMesh, HyperView, ABAQUS Viewer, Teamcenter, 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), or equivalent tools (ANSYS, etc.).
- Working knowledge of CAE tools for fatigue assessments such as FEMFAT, nCode, fe-safe, or equivalent.
- Strong experience in correlating complex non-linear CAE models with physical test data, including sensitivity analysis and model tuning for improved accuracy.
- Extensive knowledge of various structural materials, high-strength material behavior, energy flow theory and analysis methods, fracture mechanics, and crack initiation/propagation.
- Working knowledge and experience using CAE pre-processing tools such as HyperMesh or equivalent for geometry cleanup and meshing, and ABAQUS, Nastran, or equivalent for CAE model solving and post-processing.
- Proficiency in ABAQUS scripting (Python) for model automation and advanced post-processing.
- Familiarity with sheet metal design specifications, sealing design, structural testing setup, and data collection.
- Familiarity with thermal-mechanical coupled analysis that considers temperature-dependent material properties, thermal expansion, and effects on structural integrity.
- Proven record of innovative applications and ability to introduce new ideas for product development.
- Working knowledge of optimization CAE tools such as modeFRONTIER, iSight, HEEDS, Tosca, or OptiStruct.
- Experience in physical testing is a plus.
- Ability to mentor junior engineers and collaborate effectively as a team player.
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with variability, robustness, and Six Sigma methodologies.
Education Required:
MASTER'S DEGREE (w/ FEA courses taken)
Additional Information:
POSITION IS HYBRID / (4 days per week in the office / Monday to Thursday)
- Build 3D battery internal structural analysis CAE models from CAD designs.
- Debug complex finite element (FE) models independently.
- Perform 3D structural simulations on high-voltage battery packs at the system, subsystem, and component levels to support internal design development, utilizing non-linear FEA codes such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, or OptiStruct Non-Linear, including pre- and post-processing with HyperMesh, HyperView, and ABAQUS Viewer.
- Evaluate 3D structural analysis results and provide technical feedback and design direction to vehicle program and battery pack design teams.
- Collaborate with vehicle-level teams to obtain boundary conditions for battery pack structural-level simulations.
- Partner with battery lab and vehicle-level testing teams; specify instrumentation for data collection; process physical structural test results and use the data to correlate CAE models.
- Coordinate with extended overseas CAE teams for meshing and geometric cleanup tasks.
- Compile professional, organized, and structured reports detailing completed CAE work, including recommendations and conclusions.
See all STEM OPT CAE Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT CAE Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a CAE Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm it covers CAE work. Mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering codes are straightforward, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes require a closer read.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your hiring contact directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before signing. Many engineering consultancies and defense contractors are enrolled, but smaller simulation software firms or boutique CAE shops may not be, which disqualifies them for your extension.
Target industries with high CAE hiring volume
Automotive, aerospace, and civil infrastructure employers file the most CAE-related LCAs with DOL. Search these sectors first on Migrate Mate, which filters listings for E-Verify-enrolled employers so you aren't manually vetting each company.
Build your I-983 training plan around simulation deliverables
USCIS requires your I-983 to tie training goals directly to your STEM degree. Frame your plan around specific CAE outputs: mesh validation workflows, solver benchmarking, or fatigue analysis reports. Vague descriptions of 'engineering support' increase the chance your DSO flags it for revision.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
CAE Engineer prevailing wages vary significantly by SOC code, region, and experience level. Run the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating so you know whether your offer meets Level I or Level II thresholds. An offer below the prevailing wage creates LCA compliance problems for your employer.
File for cap-gap protection before your OPT expires
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT end date and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm your employer's H-1B filing timeline with HR no later than February of your final OPT year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a CAE Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and directly relates to the CAE work you'll perform. Mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and computational science degrees typically qualify. Interdisciplinary or applied technology programs need to be checked individually. Your DSO at your university can confirm your specific CIP code and whether it meets the requirement.
Does my CAE Engineer employer have to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. This applies to the specific hiring site, not just the parent company, so if you're placed at a client site or subsidiary, that location also needs to be enrolled. You can verify enrollment status by asking HR directly or by checking through the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a CAE Engineer role?
Your I-983 must connect your engineering degree to specific on-the-job training goals. For CAE roles, this means describing concrete technical activities: running finite element analysis on component assemblies, validating simulation models against physical test data, or developing automated pre-processing workflows. Generic descriptions like 'engineering support' are routinely flagged. USCIS reviews I-983 training plans, and your DSO must sign off before the extension is approved.
How do I find CAE Engineer jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate lists CAE Engineer roles at employers enrolled in E-Verify and filters for companies with active work authorization sponsorship history. Aerospace, automotive, and defense contractors are the most consistent hirers for CAE roles under STEM OPT. Focusing your search on employers with established engineering teams and existing international hires reduces the time you spend educating HR about your work authorization.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer's H-1B petition is selected in the lottery?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT end date and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as a CAE Engineer without interruption during this period. If the H-1B isn't filed or isn't selected, your authorization ends on your OPT expiration date and you'll need an alternative plan.