Structural and Dynamic Systems Engineer

About the Role

This entry-level/early-career applied science position conducts numerical computations using third-party and in-house tools to determine the structural performance of components and systems. The results from computer models are used to validate designs against customer requirements, and design recommendations are provided as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigates product and system problems, understands causal mechanisms, and recommends appropriate action, owning problem resolution with guidance.
• Focuses on the execution and improvement of established processes documented in local and global work instructions (EPs) required in Engineering Standard Work (ESW) and/or Design Validation Plans (DVP&R).
• Develops specialized computational tools and methods to support Design and Validation processes and enable high-confidence decision-making.
• Obtains input from Design, Thermal Sciences, Materials, and Product Validation.
• Delivers computer models and results for key structural performance parameters such as motion, load, natural frequencies, stress, design margin, life, and sound power to Design and Product Validation.
• Uses formal training in Statics, Dynamics, Machine Design, Mechanics of Materials, Failure Analysis, Engineering Materials, and other relevant areas, along with tool-specific training (ANSYS, FE-Safe, GT, AVL), to make design decisions based on numerical predictions of structural performance.
• Owns problem resolution for moderately complex components, products, systems, subsystems, or services, with technical complexity and ambiguity increasing with experience.
• Provides independent execution of established work processes and systems while developing technology or product knowledge.
• Engages in the improvement of systems and processes.
• May involve the coordination and direction of work amongst technicians and/or temporary student employees.
• Contributes effectively toward team goals, exhibits influence within a work group, and continues to develop proficiency in critical competency areas.
• Executes simulation-based evaluations to deliver component and sub-system level recommendations through hands-on analysis and leveraging team expertise.
• Correlates system-level models to test data.
• Works with local stakeholders to define appropriate analysis tasks and modeling techniques.
• Understands model fidelity appropriate for the product lifecycle stage and the impact of simulation results.
• Drives efficient execution and delivery of projects to meet program schedules by managing cross-functional simulation plans.
• Leads analysis reviews to present results, conclusions, and recommendations to global internal customers.
• Grows and applies knowledge of simulation and design, leveraging existing product knowledge.
• Develops and evaluates design iterations in partnership with stakeholders, using simulation results, product knowledge, and engineering judgment.
• Operates within CAD environments such as Creo to access, review, and extract geometry and product information.
• Contributes to development projects supporting functional excellence via Power Systems Functional Excellence and Simulation Based Product Development connections.
• Promotes continuous improvement of processes within the ALDV group.
• Provides technical mentoring to local engineers in simulation.

Competencies

• Applies Principles of Dynamics and Vibration: Determines motion of components and systems via numerical modeling and/or physical measurements; evaluates rigid and flexible body motion, natural frequencies, mode shapes, displacements, velocities, accelerations, friction, and wear.
• Applies Principles of Fatigue and Durability: Determines life of components and systems via numerical modeling and/or physical measurements; evaluates component temperatures, natural frequencies, mode shapes, displacements, strains/stresses, wear, and fatigue life.
• Applies Principles of Statistical Methods: Analyzes technical data using descriptive statistics, probability distributions, graphical analysis, and statistical inference; models relationships between response and independent variables using analysis of variance, regression, and design of experiments.
• Product Function Modeling, Simulation and Analysis: Impacts product design decisions through the utilization and/or interpretation of computational tools and methods that predict product function capability relative to requirements.
• Product Problem Solving: Solves product problems by determining assignable cause, implementing robust, data-based solutions, and identifying systemic root causes.
• Systems Modeling and Simulation: Identifies representation of a system or system element using analytical tools and techniques to derive knowledge about the real system.
• Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others.
• Communicates Effectively: Delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of audience needs.
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieves results.
• Self-Development: Actively seeks growth opportunities.
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value of diverse perspectives.
• Systems Thinking: Defines the system of interest and analyzes linkages and interactions between elements.
• Technical Documentation: Documents information and communicates to stakeholders for improved technical productivity and knowledge transfer.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• ANSYS
• FE-Safe
• GT
• AVL
• Matlab
• Python
• APDL-ANSYS
• FORTRAN
• C programming
• Windows/Linux operating systems
• Desktop/remote high performance computing hardware systems
• CAD environments
• Creo

Qualifications

• College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.
• Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
• Preferred candidates would have relevant experience working in either a temporary student employment environment (intern, co-op, or other extracurricular team activities) or as an early career professional in a relevant technical discipline area.
• Preferred candidates would also have a mix of experience using MS Office tools.