Verification & Validation CAE Engineer

Overview

Prodrive Advanced Technology design, develop and produce solutions that enhance our client’s projects and solve their technical challenges. We specialise in active aero systems, intelligent interiors and niche vehicles across automotive, aerospace, defence and marine sectors. Our capabilities span across a wide range of functions including system integration, design engineering, electronics and electrical systems, and chassis engineering. We are seeking a motivated CAE Engineer to join our simulation and analysis team. You will be responsible for conducting virtual analyses of components and systems, supporting the product development lifecycle from requirements capture through to design validation and compliance. Working closely with design and systems engineers, you will generate and interpret load cases, perform simulations, and provide clear feedback into the design process. You will also contribute to the development of first-principles calculations, 1D models, and engineering tools that strengthen in-house capability and provide means of compliance against defined requirements.

Responsibilities

• Key Responsibilities: Requirements & Collaboration – Work with systems and design engineers to understand written requirements and operating conditions; translate requirements into load cases and analysis setups, ensuring analysis results provide clear means of compliance; influence design direction by providing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Simulation & Analysis – Perform static and dynamic FEA for components and subsystems; conduct MBS simulations to understand system-level performance; carry out NVH and modal analyses to predict vibration and acoustic performance; use 1D modelling tools (e.g., Simulink) and analytical calculations to support trade-offs and early design decisions; validate and correlate virtual models with test data where available.
• First Principles Engineering – Apply strong engineering fundamentals to validate assumptions and guide simulations; maintain and improve in-house developed engineering calculators and methods (e.g., bolt torque, thermal calculations, safety factors).
• Reporting & Communication – Provide clear, concise feedback to design engineers to influence design decisions early; prepare structured analysis reports and present findings to stakeholders.
• Process & Tools – Maintain models and load decks in line with requirements and version control processes; follow established CAE processes, ensuring traceability and repeatability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace or related Engineering discipline.
• Experience in CAE techniques such as FEA (static/dynamic), MBS, NVH, and modal analysis; familiarity with 1D analysis tools (e.g., Simulink, Matlab) and engineering hand calculations.
• Strong grasp of first principles engineering across structures, dynamics, and materials; proficiency in CAE software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, HyperWorks, Adams or similar).
• Understanding of materials, loads, and boundary conditions in engineering simulations; ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• An attractive salary which will grow in line with your ongoing development and impact
• 25 days holiday (which increases with long service) with an opportunity to purchase up to 15 extra days
• Training opportunities for continuing professional development
• Onsite subsidised staff restaurant
• Car and pension salary sacrifice schemes
• Cycle scheme
• Exercise classes
• Paid time off for volunteering
• Consultations with our Fit 4 Life expert
• Social events throughout the year
• Exclusive company discounts
• Life assurance
• Equal opportunity employer; commitment to inclusive workplace and diversity

We are an equal opportunity employer. At Prodrive we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best talent and creating an inclusive workplace. We value individual differences and diversity amongst all staff so that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. We aim to ensure that no job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by practices or requirements which disproportionately impact protected groups, and which are not justified by the demands of the job. If you feel you are right for this role, we welcome your application. Come and make a difference. For more detail, salary and company information, use the apply link