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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Get Access To All JobsPosition Description:
The Occupant Safety CAE Engineer will be responsible for generating occupant CAE models through multiple stages of development. You will also conceptualize, Design, Engineer, Develop and support the launch of next generation Vehicle Platform Architectures for electric vehicles. You will use your skills in collaboration, systems engineering, FMA/design robustness, CAE and safety DV efficiency to develop world class efficient vehicle architectures for frontal, side, side, rear, pedestrian impact, roof strength and low speed damageability.
Job Responsibilities:
- Work with Advanced Vehicle Crash Safety and Program Design teams to develop occupant CAE models in LS-Dyna for various crash modes.
- Collaborate with responsible D&Rs and associated component suppliers to ensure component CAE models are properly correlated and/or reasonable initial assumptions are being made.
- Where appropriate, conduct DOE/DFSS studies by utilizing optimization tools, to meet performance requirements within the constraints of conflicting attributes such cost and mass. Support quick concept development of new and emerging ideas. Assess the system level occupant performance for all relevant impact configurations.
- Optimize the performance of the relevant components needed to meet occupant performance targets (airbags, seat belts, steering column, seats, instrument panel, interior trim etc.) Collaborate with the safety structures team in case structural performance of the BIW does not allow meeting occupant performance targets.
- Support the creation of standard work procedures for delivering quality models and simulation results.
- Work in a cross-functional environment to identify and overcome technical challenges and meet requirements.
- Be a part of the vision of engineering excellence and a source of knowledge.
- Participate in design reviews and present design concepts.
- Make recommendations to improve and refine designs.
- Support the delivery of the occupant safety attribute with high-quality CAE models during all program phases all the way through Start-of-Production.
Skills Required:
- CAE
- Mechanical Engineering
Experience Required:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
- Strong engineering mechanics fundamentals
- Highly motivated and creative
- Strong technical skills and expertise in safety and simulation, coupled with a 1st principles approach to problem solving
- 2+ years of experience in occupant safety CAE
- 2+ years of experience in designing and launching new safety systems from concept to production
- Knowledge of global passive safety public domain and regulatory requirements
- Non-linear finite element analysis and correlation capability
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse global team with good communication and interpersonal skills
- An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a high performing team
Education Required:
Bachelor's Degree
Education Preferred:
Additional Information:
HYBRID / 4 days per week in the office
Position Description:
The Occupant Safety CAE Engineer will be responsible for generating occupant CAE models through multiple stages of development. You will also conceptualize, Design, Engineer, Develop and support the launch of next generation Vehicle Platform Architectures for electric vehicles. You will use your skills in collaboration, systems engineering, FMA/design robustness, CAE and safety DV efficiency to develop world class efficient vehicle architectures for frontal, side, side, rear, pedestrian impact, roof strength and low speed damageability.
Job Responsibilities:
- Work with Advanced Vehicle Crash Safety and Program Design teams to develop occupant CAE models in LS-Dyna for various crash modes.
- Collaborate with responsible D&Rs and associated component suppliers to ensure component CAE models are properly correlated and/or reasonable initial assumptions are being made.
- Where appropriate, conduct DOE/DFSS studies by utilizing optimization tools, to meet performance requirements within the constraints of conflicting attributes such cost and mass. Support quick concept development of new and emerging ideas. Assess the system level occupant performance for all relevant impact configurations.
- Optimize the performance of the relevant components needed to meet occupant performance targets (airbags, seat belts, steering column, seats, instrument panel, interior trim etc.) Collaborate with the safety structures team in case structural performance of the BIW does not allow meeting occupant performance targets.
- Support the creation of standard work procedures for delivering quality models and simulation results.
- Work in a cross-functional environment to identify and overcome technical challenges and meet requirements.
- Be a part of the vision of engineering excellence and a source of knowledge.
- Participate in design reviews and present design concepts.
- Make recommendations to improve and refine designs.
- Support the delivery of the occupant safety attribute with high-quality CAE models during all program phases all the way through Start-of-Production.
Skills Required:
- CAE
- Mechanical Engineering
Experience Required:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
- Strong engineering mechanics fundamentals
- Highly motivated and creative
- Strong technical skills and expertise in safety and simulation, coupled with a 1st principles approach to problem solving
- 2+ years of experience in occupant safety CAE
- 2+ years of experience in designing and launching new safety systems from concept to production
- Knowledge of global passive safety public domain and regulatory requirements
- Non-linear finite element analysis and correlation capability
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse global team with good communication and interpersonal skills
- An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a high performing team
Education Required:
Bachelor's Degree
Education Preferred:
Additional Information:
HYBRID / 4 days per week in the office
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.