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Crash Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Occupant Safety Engineer Position Overview eShocan is seeking an experienced and highly ... Experience in full vehicle crash simulation and system-level optimization * Exposure to correlation ...

Seat Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting ... Direct experience with non-linear crash simulation (LS-DYNA) and multi-body simulation (MADYMO)

Utilize PC Crash (or other similar collision reconstruction software) to perform simulations of automobile collisions. * Utilize engineering principles and momentum equations to calculate factors ...

Technician

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

In this role, you will prepare and execute individual component and full-scale vehicle crash simulation tests on a HYGE Sled . Working closely with engineers and technicians, you will assist with ...

In this role, you will prepare and execute individual component and full-scale vehicle crash simulation tests on a HYGE Sled . Working closely with engineers and technicians, you will assist with ...

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Crash Simulation Engineer information

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$39K

$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do crash simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for crash simulation engineer in the United States is $123,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a crash simulation engineer do?

A Crash Simulation Engineer uses computer modeling and simulation software to analyze how vehicles behave during collisions. They help predict the impact of crashes on vehicle structure and passenger safety, allowing manufacturers to improve design before building physical prototypes. Their work is crucial for meeting safety standards and regulations, as well as reducing development costs and time. Crash Simulation Engineers often collaborate with design, testing, and safety teams to ensure vehicles are both safe and efficient.

What are the typical challenges faced by crash simulation engineers when integrating simulation results with real-world crash test data?

Crash Simulation Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning simulation results with actual crash test outcomes due to factors like material variability, model accuracy, and real-world unpredictability. Bridging this gap requires close collaboration with test engineers, iterative refinement of finite element models, and thorough validation processes. Staying updated with the latest simulation software and continually improving modeling techniques are essential to accurately predict crash performance and ensure vehicle safety compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crash simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crash Simulation Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering or a related field, with expertise in finite element analysis (FEA) and crash dynamics. Familiarity with simulation tools such as LS-DYNA, HyperMesh, and CATIA, along with relevant certifications in simulation software, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help convey complex simulation results and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential for ensuring vehicle safety, compliance with regulations, and the successful integration of crashworthiness into the design process.

What is the difference between Crash Simulation Engineer vs Finite Element Analyst?

AspectCrash Simulation EngineerFinite Element Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of CAE softwareBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related fields; expertise in finite element analysis software
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or aerospace R&D labs, design teams, testing facilitiesEngineering firms, research institutions, manufacturing companies
Industry UsagePrimarily in automotive safety, crashworthiness, and structural integrityBroadly in structural analysis, product design, and failure prediction

The Crash Simulation Engineer focuses on developing and running crash tests using specialized software to improve vehicle safety. In contrast, the Finite Element Analyst performs detailed structural analyses across various industries. While both roles require knowledge of CAE tools and similar credentials, the Crash Simulation Engineer specializes in crash scenarios, making their work more specific to automotive safety testing.

Are crash simulation engineers in demand?

Crash simulation engineers are in demand due to the automotive industry's focus on safety and the increasing use of computer-aided engineering tools like finite element analysis. They are essential for developing and testing vehicle safety features, and job opportunities are expected to grow with advancements in vehicle design and autonomous technology.

How do I become a crash simulation engineer?

To become a crash simulation engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with finite element analysis software such as LS-DYNA or Abaqus, along with strong skills in programming and materials science, is essential. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or professional certification in engineering or simulation techniques.
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Infographic showing various Crash Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,399 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Summary:  The Design Validation Engineer II "Crash Simulation Engineer" is responsible for independently executing structural and crashworthiness validation activities for aircraft seating systems. This role provides specialized technical expertise to demonstrate compliance with FAA, airframer, airline, and internal structural requirements through advanced numerical analysis, classical engineering methods, and correlation with physical test evidence.

The position plays a critical role in certification programs and new product development by owning analysis models, evaluating worst-case loading conditions, and driving design robustness through predictive simulations and data-driven engineering judgment.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, other duties may be assigned:

  • Execute structural design validation for aircraft seating systems to demonstrate compliance with FAA, airframer, airline, and internal requirements using classical analytical methods, advanced finite element analysis (FEA), and supporting physical test evidence.
  • Perform linear and non-linear static analysis and dynamic crash simulations (e.g., 14G / 16G conditions) using LS-DYNA and equivalent solvers to assess structural integrity, occupant safety, and certification compliance.
  • Develop, own, and maintain finite element models by defining appropriate boundary conditions, material properties, load cases, and modeling techniques to realistically represent certification and operational scenarios.
  • Analyze and correlate physical test results with analytical models to validate assumptions, establish confidence in simulation accuracy, and support certification substantiation.
  • Provide technical guidance to certification programs through assessment of critical load cases, test configurations, and worst-case structural conditions in accordance with regulatory and customer requirements.
  • Drive structural design improvements by evaluating load paths, margins of safety, failure modes, and robustness across multiple configuration variants.
  • Collaborate with design engineering teams on development of new components and seat architectures by providing predictive analysis input and validation feedback to influence early design decisions.
  • Review and assess engineering drawings, MRB dispositions, concessions, and design deviations by performing structural impact assessments to ensure continued compliance with certification and structural integrity requirements.
  • Review and witness component qualification, certification, and abuse load tests by evaluating test plans, setups, and acceptance criteria.
  • Author and review technical analysis summaries and engineering substantiation documentation to support certification findings and internal technical reviews.


Requirements

Education/Experience:

  • A minimum of Four-year B.S. degree is required preferably in Aerospace / Mechanical / other engineering with at least 4 years' experience in aircraft interior products or a Master's degree preferably in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering with at least 2 years' experience in aircraft interior products.

 Technical Skills and Experience Requirements 

  • Organizational skills, self-motivation, a sense of urgency and sensitivity to deadlines, and detail-oriented style are required.
  • Evidence of ability to hand calculate generating reserve factors, at limit and ultimate load conditions using classical methods or methods described by Tom Rhodes.
  • Ability to learn independently
  • At minimum of 2 years of Finite element analysis experience is needed
  • At a minimum 1 year experience in ANSA or similar software and LS-Dyna software is required.
  • Knowledge of Ansys software is desired.
  • Experience in CATIA V4 or V5 or a similar program desired.
  • Experience in Certification is a plus.
  • Internship experience is preferred, but not required.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills are required.
  • The ability to work as part of a team in conjunction with more and or less experienced people.
  • Strong ethical persuasion to seek out the truth in a technical situation.
  • The wisdom to deal with technical challenges with tack and professionalism