Senior CAE engineer

Job description

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a CAE Engineer on the Dexmate Robotics team, you will be at the forefront of designing and validating mechanical systems for our next-generation manipulation robots. You'll guide design decisions using high-fidelity finite element models grounded in sound engineering principles, working closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing teams to bring unprecedented robotic capabilities to life. Core Responsibilities: - Develop and analyze comprehensive finite element models for robotic systems, from individual components to full assemblies - Conduct static, dynamic, structural, and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations to evaluate performance against key requirements for strength, stiffness, durability, and manipulation accuracy - Guide mechanical design teams with actionable insights and design direction based on rigorous analysis - Optimize structural designs to minimize weight while maximizing stiffness, reliability, and performance under real-world operational loads - Define and analyze load cases for manipulation tasks, impacts, handling scenarios, and day-to-day operations - Validate FEA models through experimental testing and iterate based on physical performance data - Challenge traditional CAE methods and pioneer more efficient, accurate approaches for robotic systems - Collaborate with controls engineers to understand dynamic load profiles and system-level performance requirements - Support root cause analysis and failure investigation for production issues - Develop CAE workflows, best practices, and documentation to scale analysis capabilities across the team WHAT YOU'LL BRING Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or related field with 5+ years of experience OR Master's degree with 3+ years of experience OR PhD in designing and analyzing mechanical systems using FEA and CAE tools - 3+ years of experience in designing and analyzing mechanical systems using FEA and CAE tools - Strong fundamentals in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, and material science - Proficiency in CAE software (Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, COMSOL, OptiStruct, or equivalent) - Experience with both implicit and explicit finite element analysis - Demonstrated ability to conduct static, dynamic, and durability analyses - Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and ability to translate analysis into actionable design recommendations - Experience with experimental validation methods and correlation between simulation and physical testing - Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams - Self-motivated problem solver who can work independently on challenging technical problems Preferred Qualifications: - Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or related field - Experience in robotics, automation, or mechatronics industries - Proficiency with multi-body dynamics simulation (ADAMS, MuJoCo, PyBullet) - Experience analyzing aluminum structures, composites, and advanced materials - Knowledge of advanced joining methods (adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners) - Expertise in non-linear analysis, contact mechanics, and material characterization - Proficiency in programming/scripting for automation (Python, MATLAB) - Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, OnShape, CATIA, NX, etc.) - Familiarity with structural dynamics, vibration analysis, and modal testing - Experience with thermal-structural coupling and multi-physics simulations - Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability - Knowledge of fatigue analysis and life prediction methodologies