CAE Engineer (Aerospace & Defense)

TL;DR

CAE Engineer (Aerospace & Defense): Building and managing FE models of structural components and system architectures for aerospace and automotive platforms with an accent on nonlinear geometry and multi-physics problems. Focus on optimizing structures for mass and production efficiency while ensuring validation through hand calculations.

Location: Torrance, California, United States (Onsite)

Salary: $100,880 - $247,005 USD

Company

Divergent is a technology company that uses machine learning and additive manufacturing via its Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) to revolutionize vehicle structural systems for automotive and aerospace sectors.

What you will do

• Build and analyze FE models of Node-based vehicle structures for aerospace flight applications and automotive use cases.
• Apply cutting-edge FE/CAE methodology, including nonlinear geometry, nonlinear material, and implicit/explicit techniques for multi-physics problems.
• Create and execute new technical solutions for aerospace structures to support customer programs and joint development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to design structures optimized for mass, production efficiency, and assembly.
• Implement cost reductions and product improvements while supporting prototype and production build activities.
• Present technical analysis summaries and reports to inter-group engineers.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to US export controls
• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.2.
• 0-2 years of experience in aerospace or automotive structural analysis (New Grads of Fall 2025/Spring 2026 considered).
• Experience with analysis software such as Nastran, Optistruct, ABAQUS, and/or LS-Dyna.
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics and linear/nonlinear behaviors of advanced materials (composites, adhesives, metals).

Nice to have

• 1-2 years of industry experience in non-linear, dynamic stiffness, and durability analyses.
• Experience in material characterization and physical test correlation at the component/system level.
• Structural optimization experience.
• Proficiency with Altair Hypermesh or Beta CAE ANSA preprocessors.
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package including competitive salary, equity plan, and results-based incentive bonuses.
• Paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, and a year-end shutdown.
• Full health and wellness benefits with HMO and Premium PPO options, plus company-sponsored life and disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave to support growing families.
• Reimbursement for learning and development initiatives to support professional growth.