Entry Level Plastics Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

We are looking for a talented Structural and Dynamic Systems Tech Specialist - Analytical to join our team in engineering for our Cummins' business in Stoughton, WI. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

Drive cross-functional alignment: Partner with Design, Thermal Sciences, Materials, and Product Validation to define and deliver critical structural performance metrics (e.g., stress, life, vibration, sound) that inform product decisions. 

Enable high-quality design decisions: Make data-driven structural design choices (materials, processing, geometry) that directly improve durability, performance, and reliability.

Advance simulation capabilities: Apply and enhance modeling tools (ANSYS, FE-Safe, GT-Suite, AVL Excite) to accurately predict motion, loads, fatigue life, and acoustics. 

Own complex components and projects: Lead smaller high-impact projects or take full ownership of technically complex systems with accountability for outcomes. 

Improve engineering processes: Develop and standardize modeling methods, workflows, and best practices to increase efficiency and consistency across the team. 

Execute with independence and precision: Deliver high-quality results using established and emerging processes while continuously deepening technical expertise. 

Mentor and guide others: Coordinate technician and student work and support the development of less experienced engineers through knowledge sharing. 

Influence technical direction: Act as a subject matter specialist, providing guidance that shapes project decisions and strengthens overall team capability.

Education/Experience:

• College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required. Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles. 
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations. Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. 
• Preferred candidates would have a mix of experience using MS Office tools, Matlab, Python, APDL-ANSYS, FORTRAN or C programming, Windows/Linux operating systems, and desktop/remote high performance computing hardware systems. Prior entry level engineering equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required. Preferred candidates would have a mix of experience using AI tools, Matlab, Python, APDL-ANSYS, or C programming, Windows/Linux operating systems, and desktop/remote high performance computing hardware systems.

Additional Details:

Domestic Relocation Eligible

Additional Responsibilities Unique to this Position

• This individual will work with a nine-person Applied Mechanics group with small simulation-focused and test-focused teams.
• The group has at its disposal individual high-performance computer workstations and a corporate supercomputer to help with simulation along with a large electrodynamic shaker, smaller shakers, data acquisition systems, a load frame with sample furnace, loose-actuator servohydraulic system and six-axis servohydraulic road simulator for structural characterization and testing.
• The bigger department includes engineers in the thermal and fluid sciences, materials engineering, catalyst chemistry/kinetics, and aftertreatment system performance testing.
• The site, with roughly 150 engineers, is near the Wisconsin state capital at Madison and the University of Wisconsin.

Additional Skills / Competencies Preferred

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering required. PhD preferred.
• Skill and experience applying the fundamentals of low- and high-cycle metal fatigue using test and simulation
• Familiarity with concepts of design for manufacturability (machining, forming, welding, fastening, Classification of Characteristics, positional and dimensional tolerancing) preferred, with sheet metal fabrication and welding the most common operations in Cummins Emission Solutions products.
• Familiarity with concepts and models of shell/plate vibration; of vibration model order reduction beneficial in structural dynamic simulation; of the mechanics of frictional contacts and monotonic and cyclic metal plasticity beneficial in overload and thermal cyclic simulation.

Compensation 

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate's qualifications and experience, where appropriate.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

Apply advanced modeling expertise:Leverage dynamics, vibration, fatigue, and durability principles to accurately predict motion, stress, and life, translating results into clear design recommendations.

Use simulation to drive decisions:Effectively utilize system and product-level modeling tools to evaluate performance and guide high-quality, data-driven design outcomes.

Solve complex problems with structure:Apply disciplined problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes, implement durable solutions, and prevent recurrence.

Operate with strong leadership and business acumen:Communicate clearly, make timely decisions, manage complexity, build relationships, and drive results while efficiently using resources and valuing diverse perspectives.