Senior CAE engineer

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

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