Principal Structural Engineer

The Principal Engineer - Structural is responsible for coaching an international team in the use of computer-based design analysis tools. Together, the CAE team will guide new product designs to deliver powersport products quicker, at less cost, and of a higher quality. CAE analysis tools such as ANSYS FEA/Damage Modeling/Life Predictions to perform system-level and component analyses will be within the scope of this work. This Principal Engineer will support company growth through infrastructure improvements, methodology development, analysis procedures, and correlation efforts to accelerate improvements. Key Responsibilities•Develops detailed FEA models to evaluate vehicle durability, focusing on fatigue life, vibration endurance, and load-bearing capacity for complete vehicle systems under diverse operating conditions.•Performs road load data analysis to determine component and system damage levels, using this data to inform structural design enhancements and optimize vehicle durability.•Correlates load data with CAE fatigue predictions, utilizing tools like Ncode and Abaqus to establish accurate cyclic load predictions and simulate real-world operating conditions.•Configures and validates durability models to accurately predict cyclic loads and correlate these with damage levels experienced in actual road scenarios, ensuring the highest level of predictive accuracy.•Collaborates with design, materials, and testing teams to identify and implement material and structural improvements that enhance component durability, extending vehicle lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.•Optimizes complete vehicle durability by assessing structural load paths, material fatigue thresholds, and road load transfer mechanisms for components such as chassis, suspension, body structures, and powertrain mounts.•Validates simulation models against physical testing data, refining models based on real-world load conditions, including road, terrain, and environmental impacts to accurately replicate in-service conditions.•Develops and implements durability test plans for specific vehicle components and systems, including frame, suspension, body structures, powertrain, driveline, CVT and other key load-bearing components.•Develops and implements procedures that capture best practice approaches to an analysis led design mindset. This includes the analysis itself, the communication of results, the correlation of physical and analytical tests, and report writing. Deploy those procedures with peers at CFMOTO corporate in China.•Coaches members of a China based analysis team. Coaching includes work on processes, best practices, correlation, communication, reporting, and testing.Qualifications:Master of Science degree in Engineering, PHD preferred.Clear written and verbal communication skills15+ years CAE experience on vehicles, preferably powersports productsSelf-directed/self-motivatedAble to handle multiple projects simultaneously10+ years of experience leading international engineering teamsAbility to make data driven decisions and demonstrate good analytical skills. Passion for problem solving with the ability to identify root cause issues by following first principles approach. Able to travel internationally up to 4x/year.Software / Hardware Experience:Ansys Workbench - Mechanical, Acoustics, nCodeAltair HyperWorks.SMT MASTA, ROMAX, MATLAB preferred.HypermeshAbaqusFEMFATAVL ExciteThe wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of job-related factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, certifications, education, location and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $140,000 to $195,000 annually. Our competitive salaries are just one component to CFMOTO's total compensation package. Additional benefits include: medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K Match, Vacation & Sick Time, Life Insurance and Employee Purchase Discounts and opportunities.

Created: 2025-10-02