FEA Tire Modeling Engineer

About the role

Maxxis is seeking a Finite Element Analysis Tire Modeling Engineer to join their engineering team in Suwanee, Georgia. This is a full-time position that centers on tire modeling and simulation work using finite element methods. The engineer will apply advanced FEA techniques to support tire design and development efforts across multiple projects at Maxxis. Candidates should have a strong foundation in finite element methods as applied specifically to tire engineering and related structural analysis challenges. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver simulation-driven insights that inform tire performance and manufacturing decisions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Perform finite element analysis on tire structures to evaluate performance under various loading conditions and operating scenarios
• Develop and maintain detailed tire models using specialized FEA software tools for simulation and design validation purposes
• Collaborate closely with design engineers to interpret tire behavior data and recommend meaningful structural improvements to tire designs
• Create detailed mesh models of tire components including tread, sidewall, bead, and belt packages with high accuracy and consistency
• Conduct virtual testing of tire designs to predict ride comfort, handling characteristics, and durability under real-world driving conditions
• Analyze stress and strain distributions across tire assemblies during operational scenarios to identify potential failure points early in development
• Support the tire development lifecycle from initial concept through prototype validation and into production-ready manufacturing stages
• Document all modeling methodologies and simulation results thoroughly for internal review and ongoing knowledge sharing within the engineering team
• Work with material property data to ensure accurate representation of rubber compounds and reinforcement materials in all simulations
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to align simulation efforts with project timelines, engineering goals, and overall product development strategy
• Iterate on tire model parameters based on physical test data to improve correlation between simulation predictions and real-world results
• Assist in the selection and procurement of appropriate material inputs for tire finite element models and simulation workflows
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineers to ensure that tire models reflect production constraints and feasible design changes
• Present simulation findings and recommendations to senior engineering leadership and external stakeholders when required for project reviews

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is required for this position
• Proven experience with finite element analysis software and tire modeling workflows is essential for success in this role
• Thorough understanding of tire structure including carcass, belt, and tread layer configurations is necessary for effective modeling work
• Ability to interpret simulation results and translate findings into actionable engineering decisions and clear design recommendations
• Strong analytical skills with careful attention to detail in model setup, boundary conditions, and validation procedures
• Solid familiarity with rubber material behavior and viscoelastic properties under varying temperature and loading conditions is important
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team-based engineering environment with cross-functional project stakeholders and external partners
• Proficiency in at least one major FEA solver used for structural and dynamic analysis of tire and other components

Nice to have

• A Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline is preferred but not required for this role
• Prior experience in the tire or rubber industry would be a strong advantage for qualified candidates applying
• Knowledge of tire dynamics and vehicle ride simulation is a valuable asset for this engineering position
• Experience with optimization algorithms for tire design improvement and overall performance enhancement is highly beneficial
• Familiarity with tire testing standards and industry regulations would complement the simulation responsibilities well

Skills & tools

• Finite element analysis software for structural and thermal simulations of tire and rubber components
• Tire modeling and mesh generation tools for creating accurate and reliable representations of tire geometry
• CAD software for geometry preparation and modification of tire components before simulation runs begin
• Programming or scripting languages for automation of repetitive simulation workflows and data processing tasks
• Data analysis and visualization tools for interpreting FEA results and communicating findings to stakeholders
• Material modeling software for rubber and composite behavior characterization under different environmental conditions
• Post-processing applications for reviewing and presenting finite element analysis results in clear visual formats
• Version control and project management tools for organizing simulation files and tracking model iterations

Practical notes

• This position is based in Suwanee, Georgia and requires regular on-site presence at the Maxxis facility for day-to-day work
• The role is full-time with standard business hours and a regular weekly work schedule throughout the year
• Maxxis is a global tire manufacturer with operations in multiple countries and a long history of tire production
• Candidates should be prepared to work on multiple tire projects simultaneously and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment