The Role
Develop and execute LS-DYNA finite element models for structural simulations, including meshing, contact definitions, beam and cable elements, implicit and explicit analyses, and dynamic relaxation preload methods. Interpret results, validate initial conditions, recommend design improvements, collaborate with engineering teams, and document methodologies and findings. Preferred experience includes nonlinear structural, impact, crash, transient, quasi-static, optimization, and validation analyses.
Summary Generated by Built In
Catalyx Space is seeking a skilled CAE Simulation Engineer with hands-on experience in LS-DYNA. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of finite element analysis (FEA), contact definitions, implicit and explicit analysis methodologies, and preload simulation techniques. The role involves developing simulation models, performing structural analyses, and supporting design through virtual validation.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute finite element models using LS-DYNA.
- Create and modify CAD models in SolidWorks for simulation purposes.
- Generate high-quality meshes suitable for explicit and implicit analyses.
- Define and implement appropriate contact algorithms based on simulation requirements.
- Select and apply suitable contact types (e.g., automatic, tied, surface-to-surface, node-to-surface, eroding contacts) for different engineering scenarios.
- Perform simulations using both implicit and explicit solvers and determine the appropriate solution methodology based on the problem type.
- Model and analyze structures using beam and cable elements where applicable.
- Apply Dynamic Relaxation (DR) methods to establish preload or pre-stressed conditions prior to transient or nonlinear analyses.
- Validate preload conditions and ensure stable transition from the preload phase to the primary simulation.
- Interpret simulation results and provide engineering recommendations for design improvements.
- Collaborate with design and engineering teams to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
- Prepare simulation reports and document analysis methodologies and findings.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with LS-DYNA.
- Strong understanding of:
- LS-DYNA contact definitions and their applications.
- Various contact types and selection criteria.
- Beam and cable element modeling.
- Explicit and implicit analysis methodologies, including when each approach is appropriate.
- Meshing techniques and mesh quality requirements in LS-DYNA.
- Dynamic Relaxation (DR) methods for applying preload and achieving stable initial equilibrium conditions.
- Good understanding of FEA fundamentals.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate technical findings effectively.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with nonlinear structural simulations.
- Knowledge of dynamic impact, crash, transient, and quasi-static analyses.
- Familiarity with boundary condition setup, and preload simulation workflows in LS-DYNA.
- Experience in design optimization and validation workflows.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- Hands-on experience with LS-DYNA
- Understanding of LS-DYNA contact definitions and applications
- Knowledge of automatic, tied, surface-to-surface, node-to-surface, and eroding contact types
- Experience or knowledge modeling beam and cable elements
- Understanding of explicit and implicit analysis methodologies
- Knowledge of meshing techniques and mesh quality requirements in LS-DYNA
- Knowledge of Dynamic Relaxation methods for preload and stable initial equilibrium conditions
- Good understanding of finite element analysis fundamentals
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate technical findings effectively
- Experience with nonlinear structural simulations
- Knowledge of dynamic impact, crash, transient, and quasi-static analyses
- Familiarity with boundary condition setup and preload simulation workflows in LS-DYNA
- Experience in design optimization and validation workflows
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The Company
What We Do
Catalyx Space Inc. develops orbital return vehicles and integrated space infrastructure for heavy-mass, high-power, high-volume missions. Its offerings span launch logistics, in-orbit operations, payload integration, mission control, and recovery, along with unmanned laboratories, testbeds, and reusable re-entry capsules. The company targets space logistics, in-space manufacturing, research, defense, and other commercial applications across low Earth orbit and beyond through vertically integrated mission services.
