FEA Research Engineer

• Job Title: FEA Research Engineer
• Job Function: America Technical Center
• Report to: Manager of Tire Engineering Technology

Perform finite element analysis (FEA) studies to predict tire operation performance in support of tire development programs and of virtual tire submissions to vehicle original equipment (OE) customers using existing company technologies and advancing these technologies. Position is within the Tire Engineering Technology Group which focuses on specialized and advanced technology including simulation and measurement techniques to predict and assess tire performance on vehicles.

• Support tire product development engineers and vehicle OE customers with tire performance investigations and analyses
• Implement existing company FEA tools and technologies and contribute to their capability advancement
• Collaborate with company technical personnel as necessary
• Regularly document and communicate with deliverables in form of written reports and oral presentations

• The level of this position varies dependent on qualifications and background

• Experience with Linux and Windows desktop operating systems
• Computer coding skills using general software; Python proficiency mandatory, Matlab, etc.
• Proficiency with MS/Office or similar document tools: word processor, presentations, and spreadsheets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in local and international collaborative team environments

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical or related engineering field with finite element methods course work required; PhD strongly preferred
• Minimum 5 years of recent, within last 3 years, relevant experience in tire or automotive industry required applying and developing nonlinear FEA methods for tire performance investigations
• Experience using commercial FEA software code Abaqus required; supplemental use of commercial FEA code Nastran preferred
• Proficiency with the following applications preferred:
  • Application of nonlinear viscoelastic materials - characterization and application
  • Solid and cord mechanics
  • Contact and friction mechanics
  • Structural dynamics: rotating dynamics, eigenvalues, forced responses, and signal analysis concepts