Job Role: You will work at the intersection of nonlinear mechanics (FEA simulation), industrial validation, solver quality. The role is ideal for candidates who enjoy converting complex engineering physics into robust benchmark problems, improving simulation credibility, and influencing the quality of advanced CAE products used by demanding engineering teams.
Role SnapshotRole focus
Advanced nonlinear (simulation) validation for CAE solvers and workflows
Ideal background
Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Applied Mechanics, or closely related field
Experience
3+ years in CAE/FEA with strong nonlinear statics and dynamics exposure
Preferred tools
Nastran/Marc/ Abaqus/Ansys pre/post tools such as HyperMesh/ANSA/Patran
What You Will Work On- Design high-value validation strategies for advanced nonlinear simulation capabilities, including contact, large deformation, material nonlinearity, nonlinear dynamics, and coupled thermal-mechanical workflows.
- Translate demanding industrial applications such as elastomer sealing, composite damage/failure, and complex contact simulation into practical, high-fidelity benchmark models.
- Validate solver behavior using a mix of analytical checks, simplified hand calculations, comparison with trusted references.
- Build and automate test cases for Nastran and Marc so that complex physics can be validated repeatedly, efficiently, and with clear quality metrics.
- Work closely with developers, product teams, and QA engineers to identify gaps, isolate issues, improve testability, and support reliable software releases.
- Prepare clear validation reports, technical notes, and evidence-based recommendations that help improve product quality and customer confidence.
- Deep understanding of nonlinear finite element analysis, including geometric, material, and contact nonlinearities.
- Strong foundation in continuum mechanics, numerical methods, finite element formulation, and interpretation of nonlinear solver behavior.
- Hands-on exposure to advanced constitutive modeling such as hyper-elasticity, viscoelasticity, rate-dependent plasticity, shape memory alloys, or progressive damage/failure in composites, buckling.
- Practical experience with meshing, model idealization, boundary conditions, convergence behavior, and post-processing of nonlinear simulation results.
- Ability to connect theory with engineering judgment: simplify a complex problem, validate the essentials, and explain results clearly.
- A record of technical publications, conference presentations, benchmark studies, or research-to-application work in CAE/FEA.
- Evidence of solving difficult nonlinear simulation convergence, modeling, or validation problems.
- Experience with Python Scripting and AI skills.
- Clear communication style: able to explain assumptions, limitations, results, and risks to both technical and product teams.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Applied Mechanics, or closely related field
- 3+ years in CAE/FEA with strong nonlinear statics and dynamics exposure
- Deep understanding of nonlinear finite element analysis including geometric, material, and contact nonlinearities
- Strong foundation in continuum mechanics, numerical methods, and finite element formulation
- Hands-on exposure to advanced constitutive modeling (hyper-elasticity, viscoelasticity, rate-dependent plasticity, SMAs, progressive damage/failure, buckling)
- Practical experience with meshing, model idealization, boundary conditions, convergence behavior, and post-processing of nonlinear results
- Ability to prepare clear validation reports, technical notes, and evidence-based recommendations
- Experience with Nastran, Marc, Abaqus, or Ansys solvers and related pre/post tools
- Experience with HyperMesh, ANSA, or Patran pre/post tools
- Experience with Python scripting
- AI skills (applied to simulation workflows or automation)
- Record of technical publications, conference presentations, or benchmark studies in CAE/FEA
- Proven history of solving nonlinear simulation convergence, modeling, or validation problems
Cadence Design Systems Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cadence Design Systems and has not been reviewed or approved by Cadence Design Systems.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — A discounted ESPP with a lookback feature and equity included in total compensation make ownership broadly accessible and potentially meaningful. Structured compensation at an industry leader adds predictability to equity participation.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage are described as solid, with mental‑health/EAP and fertility support enhancing the offering. The breadth across core care and family‑building needs strengthens the healthcare package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Global Recharge Days, volunteer time off, and companywide breaks indicate a comprehensive time‑off framework. In addition, many salaried roles are described as having flexible or generous PTO policies.
Cadence Design Systems Insights
What We Do
Cadence enables electronic systems and semiconductor companies to create the innovative end products that are transforming the way people live, work and play. Cadence® software, hardware and IP are used by customers to deliver products to market faster. The company's Intelligent System Design strategy helps customers develop differentiated products—from chips to boards to intelligent systems—in mobile, consumer, cloud, data center, automotive, aerospace, IoT, industrial and other market segments. Cadence is listed as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For.
