FEA Engineer - OTR Tire Modeling

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated FEA Tire Modeling Engineer to join our technology center in Akron, Ohio. This critical role is responsible for the development and validation of advanced virtual tire models and simulations, supporting both new product development and field issues for Off‑the‑Road (OTR) Tires.

• Develop and refine finite element models of tires and their components (e.g., rubber compounds, steel belts and ply, fabric plies) using Abaqus.
• Conduct structural, thermal FEA simulations to predict tire behavior under various real‑world load and inflation conditions.
• Analyze and interpret complex simulation results to provide actionable recommendations and design improvements to cross‑functional design, manufacturing, and testing teams.
• Collaborate with design and compounding teams to understand their concerns, address their needs in actionable ways, and help optimize tire products.
• Validate models with lab and proving grounds testing to continually build confidence in simulation predictions.
• Collaborate with testing teams to develop and execute test plans for physical validation of FEA models and material constitutive models (especially for hyper‑elastic rubber materials).
• Document findings through presentations for internal stakeholders such as design, compounding, testing, and field teams.
• Develop in‑house proprietary modeling procedures that contribute to the continuous improvement of simulation methodologies and provide new capability to model phenomena which were not possible.

Education: Master’s degree minimum in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related engineering field.

Experience: 3+ years relevant experience in finite element modeling and simulation, preferably within the automotive or rubber industry.

Software Proficiency: Expertise with Abaqus FEA software and CAD software (e.g., Catia) and the ability to rapidly learn new tools and processes.

Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of rubber material properties and the mechanical behavior of rubber and composites, along with knowledge of scripting languages like Python is a plus.

Soft Skills: Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects. Must have excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Fluent in English