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Cae Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CAE Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

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Your Job We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated CAE Engineer to join our team, performing structural simulations and optimization for datacom interconnect products. This role requires design ...

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FEA Engineer/ CAE Analyst (4-6 years, Abaqus & Hypermesh, heavy equipment domain) Candidate Responsibilities This role will support the virtual product validation of earth movers & mining equipment.

PhD, CAE, structural FE Analysis on Mechanical components using FEA, ABAQUS, Hypermesh, Nastran NX Skills Required: * Performing structural FE Analysis on Mechanical components using FEA. * Identify ...

We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery ... The CAE plays a critical role in the early adoption of new technology, expanding access to robotic ...

We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery ... The CAE plays a critical role in the early adoption of new technology, expanding access to robotic ...

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Cae Engineer information

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$32

$41

$48

How much do cae engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cae engineer in Illinois is $41.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.26 and $44.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CAE engineer?

A CAE engineer is an individual that uses computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to test the characteristics of a 3D model, such as the material’s strength, fatigue, and stress limits. While many CAE engineers possess drafting skills as well, this process varies significantly from CAD, as you are analyzing instead of designing. As a CAE engineer, your job duties include collaborating with system engineers and component engineers, using finite element analysis (FEA) software, and providing reports about your findings. The qualifications for a CAE engineering career are a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and several years of engineering experience.

What is a CAE engineer?

A CAE Engineer, or Computer-Aided Engineering Engineer, specializes in using computer software to simulate and analyze engineering tasks such as stress analysis, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics. They help optimize designs, improve product performance, and reduce the need for physical prototypes by conducting virtual tests and simulations. CAE Engineers work closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure products meet safety, reliability, and efficiency standards. Their expertise is valuable in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Is CAE engineering in demand?

CAE engineering is in high demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense, as companies seek to improve product design and reduce testing costs through simulation and analysis. Skilled CAE engineers with expertise in tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or LS-DYNA are particularly sought after, and the field offers strong job growth prospects due to increasing reliance on digital engineering methods.

How does a CAE engineer typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

CAE Engineers frequently work in cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with design, manufacturing, and testing departments to ensure that digital simulations accurately reflect real-world conditions. This collaboration involves sharing simulation results, discussing design modifications, and iterating models based on feedback. Strong communication skills are essential, as CAE Engineers must clearly explain technical findings and suggest solutions to non-CAE specialists. Effective teamwork helps streamline the product development cycle and improves overall product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAE engineer?

To thrive as a CAE Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and computer-aided engineering, often supported by a degree in mechanical or related engineering fields. Expertise in CAE software tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or HyperMesh, and familiarity with CAD systems and simulation methodologies, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make a candidate stand out in this role. These competencies are critical for accurately modeling, analyzing, and optimizing engineering designs to ensure quality and performance in product development.

What is the difference between Cae Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCae EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields; proficiency in CAD/CAE softwareBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; knowledge of design and manufacturing
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, simulation labs, engineering teamsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D departments
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, product designManufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Cae Engineers and Mechanical Engineers work in engineering environments, Cae Engineers specialize in simulation, analysis, and software tools to optimize designs. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, testing, and manufacturing mechanical systems. The roles often overlap, but Cae Engineers are more software and simulation-focused, whereas Mechanical Engineers handle broader mechanical design tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cae Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cae Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Cae Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Cae Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Cae Engineer jobs in IL?

For Cae Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cae Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,464 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

$80K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 539 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated CAE Engineer to join our team, performing structural simulations and optimization for datacom interconnect products. This role requires design, analysis, and optimization of innovative high-speed interconnect products for datacom applications.
In this role you will have the opportunity to perform advanced FEA simulations and optimizations on Molex products.
Our Team
At Molex, we create connections for life by enabling technologies that transform the future and improve lives. With a presence in more than 40 countries, we offer a complete range of connectivity products, services, and solutions across various industries, including data communications, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Our Datacom and Specialty Solutions (DSS) team specializes in providing high speed connector solutions essential for building reliable communications equipment, catering to telecommunications, datacom, hyperscalers, cloud, data center, and storage applications. We continue to innovate to meet the demands of next-generation markets.
What You Will Do
  • Conduct and coordinate nonlinear structural finite element analysis (FEA) for short fiber reinforced plastic & copper alloy-based high-speed interconnect systems, through Hypermesh & LS-DYNA tools or Abaqus tools.
  • Deliver reliable FEA results in a timely manner and effectively communicate them with product design engineers through clear written and verbal presentations.
  • Provide design recommendations to improve and optimize product structural performance based on FEA results, ensuring that design targets are met.
  • Participate in the correlation of CAE simulations to real-world tests and improve existing modeling methods as needed.
  • Develop new FEA techniques and modeling methods, working both independently and collaboratively with vendors to improve their accuracy and efficiency.
  • Lead the development of new products and oversee the activities of global teams, ensuring alignment with engineering management priorities.
  • Publish technical papers and patents.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • B.S. Degree in Mechanical or Related Engineering Discipline.
  • 1+ years' experience with parametric CAD systems (UG NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.)
  • 1+ years' experience with LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, or ANSYS Workbench simulation software.
  • 1+ years' experience with Altair (Hypermesh/Hyperview) family products.
  • Proficiency in Python scripting for data processing, automation, or simulation integration.
  • Good communication and collaboration skills.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • 3+ years' experience with CAE modeling applications in predicting nonlinear structural behavior on short fiber reinforced plastics & metals.
  • Experience with molding simulation software, e.g., Moldflow, Moldex-3D, Digimat, Converse, etc.
  • Hands-on experience with optimization software such as ModeFrontier, OptiSLang, or Isight.
  • Familiarity with machine learning and deep learning techniques, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs).
  • Established records of publication such as patents and technical papers.

This position does not qualify for VISA Sponsorship.
For this role, we anticipate paying $80,000 - $140,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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