Exterior Virtual Design Development and Validation (VDDV) Engineer

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

In this role as the Exterior Virtual Design Development and Validation (VDDV) Engineer , your primary focus will be Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis for vehicle-level water management and splash performance. This work includes evaluation of exterior systems and subsystems (fascias, grilles, moldings, etc.) as well as underbody panels, baffles, and other related components and interfaces. This CFD work also includes evaluation of water ingestion risk into AIS and other sensitive systems such as horns, transmission vents, and electrical systems.

In addition to this primary CFD water management focus, there will be opportunities to support broader Exterior CAE work including structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess designs on exterior components and sub-systems such as exterior lighting, wiper/wash systems, fixed glass, bumpers, fascias, grilles, etc.  

You will use CFD and FEA to focus on design optimization to meet safety regulations and customer usage.  You will assess and guide designs, share results with Product Development Teams (PDTs), provide design recommendations, and help assure product requirements are met. This position is a hybrid position and requires an employee to be onsite 3 times per week.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

• Create and execute CFD analysis plans for assigned projects, with primary emphasis on vehicle-level water management and splash performance.

• Perform virtual assessment of designs and compare results to performance requirements, customer usage, and water management objectives.

• Evaluate hydrodynamic pressures, water management, and ingestion risk for exterior systems, underbody panels, baffles, AIS, horns, transmission vents, electrical systems, and related vehicle interfaces.

• Recommend viable design solutions to resolve performance issues with consideration for mass, cost, timing, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Create CAE geometry or construct / update analysis models from NX math data to support CFD and other virtual assessments.

• Interface with release, validation, aero, structure integration, and other engineering teams to assure balanced design solutions and issue resolution.

• Use CAE to explain results of physical testing and engineer solutions with design, performance, and release engineers.

• Lead suppliers and internal resources to meet program milestones and deliverables.

• Prepare virtual assessment presentations for program management and formal CAE/CFD report documentation as required.

• Participate in Product Development Teams (PDTs) to provide technical guidance based on CFD and CAE assessments.

• Support development of new techniques/simulation methods and recommend process automation and analysis enhancements to improve capability.

• Stay abreast of new technology, competitive products, and latest CAE/CFD tools and trends, and play an active role in developing resources globally.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree Required (BS in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering preferred).

• Understanding of Material Properties as inputs to CAE analysis.

• Familiarity with a variety of CFD and CAE modeling tools.

• Proficiency with MS Office applications.

• Good written and oral communication skills.

• High degree of analytical ability where problems are complex or difficult. Exhibits appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to work effectively with business partners to meet mutual goals.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master’s or higher in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering preferred.

• Experience in CFD software and analysis (e.g Star-CCM+, PowerFLOW, PreonLab).

• Experience in water management, splash performance, or water ingestion assessments for automotive applications.

• Experience in Linear Analysis (NASTRAN/OPTISTRUCT or equivalent) and NonLinear Analysis (LS DYNA).

• Familiarity with UG-NX CAD & CAE tools.

• Experience in transient, quasi-static non-linear analysis, NVH (modal, optimization), durability analysis, dynamic crash simulation (extreme durability events such as potholes, curbs).

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Total Rewards | Benefits Overview

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

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