CAE Engineer (Passive Safety Restraint Analysis)

Applus+ IDIADA is a global partner to the automotive industry with over 30 years’ experience supporting our clients in product development activities by providing design, engineering, testing, and homologation services. IDIADA’s success in product development is built on a unique blend of highly experienced engineers, state-of-the-art test and development facilities and the constant drive towards innovation. The company has over 2,850 professionals and an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 22 countries, ensuring our clients receive customized, added-value solutions. IDIADA offers you the opportunity to develop a professional career in one of the leading-edge automotive engineering companies. Are you ready to challenge yourself, enhance your technical skills, working in a thriving environment and alongside world-leading experts? Then, apply for one of our job vacancies. Engineering services: Comprehensive design, engineering, and validation capabilities for complete vehicle development projects: CAD, CAE and testing of all major vehicle functionalities. Proving grounds: The most comprehensive proving grounds in Europe and Asia, located in Spain and China. Both test tracks offer excellent customer support and facilities that provide the highest standards of safety and confidentiality. Homologation services in accordance with all European EC and ECE Regulations. We are also accredited for Australia, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and give consultancy to other countries and regions such as South America (including Brazil), China, Middle East, Gulf Countries, ASEAN, USA and Canada, among others.

We are seeking an experienced Restraints and Occupant Safety Engineer to join our Vehicle Safety team. The role involves end-to-end responsibility for occupant protection development, including CAE, test validation, and regulatory/NCAP compliance for passive safety systems (airbags, seatbelts, seats).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development, and validation of restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts, pretensions, load limiters, steering wheel/column) to meet global regulatory and NCAP requirements.
• Define occupant safety performance targets and ensure compliance with ECE, AIS, Bharat NCAP, Euro NCAP, and other applicable standards.
• Perform occupant safety CAE simulations (frontal, side, rear) using LS-DYNA/MADYMO or equivalent tools, and correlate results with physical tests.
• Support full vehicle crash testing and restraint system integration for occupant protection.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Body, Chassis, Interiors, Electrical/Electronics) for restraint packaging and integration.
• Interact with suppliers for restraint system design reviews, DV/PV testing, and sign-off.
• Support advanced concept studies for future safety technologies (smart airbags, pedestrian protection, far-side protection, integrated seats, etc.).
• Analyze test results, generate detailed reports, and present findings to leadership.
• Ensure quality, timing, and cost targets are achieved for all safety deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Automotive / Aerospace Engineering .
• 4 to 10 years of experience in automotive crash safety and restraint systems.
• Strong knowledge of global crash regulations and NCAP protocols.
• Proficiency in CAE tools: LS-DYNA, MADYMO, ANSA, Primer.
• Hands-on experience with full vehicle and sled crash testing, data acquisition, and correlation.
• Familiarity with occupant injury criteria.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage projects independently and lead cross-functional discussions.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Automotive / Aerospace Engineering

Applus IDIADA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We don’t put limits on you, so don’t put limits on yourself either. There is a place for everyone.