This entry level/early career professional, applied science position conducts numerical computations via third party and in-house tools to determine structural performance of components and systems. The results from the computer models are used to determine the validity of the design to meet the customer requirements. Design recommendations are then provided as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Investigates product and system problems, understands causal mechanisms, recommends appropriate action, owns problem resolution and documents results with guidance from more experienced team members Main focus is on the execution and improvement of established processes primarily documented in detailed local and global work instructions (EPs) that are required in Engineering Standard Work (ESW) and/or Design Validation Plans (DVP&R). This is accomplished through standard, as well as development of specialized computational tools and methods that are required to support the Design and Validation processes and enable high confidence decision making. Obtains input from Design, Thermal Sciences, Materials and Product Validation and delivers computer models and results for key structural performance parameters like motion, load, natural frequencies, stress, design margin, life, sound power to Design and Product Validation. Uses formal training like Statics, Dynamics, Machine Design, Mechanics of Materials, Failure Analysis, Engineering Materials and others along with tool specific training (ANSYS, FE-Safe, GT, AVL) to make Design decisions based on numerical predictions of structural performance of components and systems. Owns problem resolution for moderately complex components, products, systems, subsystems or services with technical complexity and ambiguity increasing as experience is gained in the role. Provides independent execution of established work processes and systems, while still developing technology or product knowledge; engages with the improvement of systems and processes. Involves minimal direct management of people, but could involve the coordination and direction of work amongst technicians and/or temporary student employees. Contributes effectively toward team goals, exhibits influence within a work group and continues to develop proficiency in the competency areas critical to success in the role.
Competencies:
Applies Principles of Dynamics and Vibration - Determines motion of components and systems via numerical modeling and/or physical measurements; evaluates rigid and flexible body motion, natural frequencies, mode shapes, displacements, velocities, accelerations, friction, and wear to draw conclusions that influence design decisions with internal and external customers.
Applies Principles of Fatigue and Durability - Determines life of components and systems via numerical modeling and/or physical measurements; evaluates component temperatures, natural frequencies, mode shapes, displacements, strains/stresses, wear, and fatigue life to draw conclusions that influence design decisions with internal and external customers.
Applies Principles of Statistical Methods - Analyzes technical data using descriptive statistics, probability distributions, graphical analysis, and statistical inference (population and sample, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing); models relationships between response and independent variables using analysis of variance, regression, and design of experiments to make rigorous, data-based decisions.
Product Function Modeling, Simulation and Analysis - Impacts product design decisions through the utilization and/or interpretation of computational tools and methods that predict the capability of a product's function relative to its system, sub-system and/or component level requirements.
Product Problem Solving - Solves product problems using a process that protects the customer; determines the assignable cause; implements robust, data-based solutions; and identifies the systemic root causes and recommended actions to prevent problem reoccurrence.
Systems Modeling and Simulation - Identifies representation of a system or system element by using suitable analytical tools and techniques in order to derive knowledge about the real system; defines the strategy for modeling, simulation, and analysis of a system or system element by considering specifics of a given situation or nature of the system of interest in order to derive insights for making quality decisions.
Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Self-development - Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Systems Thinking - Defines the system of interest by drawing the boundaries, identifying its context within its environment, its interfaces, and that it has a lifecycle to aid in planning the problem statement, scope and deliverables ; analyzes linkages and interactions between elements that comprise the system of interest by using appropriate methods, models and integration of outcomes to understand the system, predict its behavior and devise modifications to it in order to produce the desired effects.
Technical Documentation - Documents information based on knowledge gained as part of technical function activities; communicates to stakeholders with the goal of enabling improved technical productivity and effective knowledge transfer to others who were not originally part of the initial learning.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
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.
Experience:
Entry level/Early career professional. Preferred candidates would have relevant experience working in either a temporary student employment environment (intern, co-op, or other extracurricular team activities) or as an early career professional in a relevant technical discipline area. Preferred candidates would also 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.
Candidates with experience in automation and the application of AI tools, Codex, and Python to enhance simulation methods and optimization workflows will be preferred. Hands-on experience with tools such as Creo, ANSYS, and experimental data post-processing using Testlab is considered a strong advantage
College Job type: Entry Level Full-time
Subfunction: Structural, dynamics and Acoustics systems - Analytical (SDAS)
Degree level: MS
Educational Program: Prefer ME, open to other relevant disciplines like AE, IE etc.
Start date: June 2027.
Job Skill Requirements: Candidates with experience in FEA automation and design optimization will be preferred. Skills such as hands on experience in using ANSYS for analyses and/or experimental data post processing using Test lab, Ncode etc. is an added advantage.
Required Work Location: On-site with Flexibility (Columbus, IN)
U.S. Early Careers Eligibility Requirements:
Exempt Entry Level: Designed for external candidates within 2 years of completing their highest level of degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD, MBA, or JD) from an accredited U.S. college/university, and currently reside within the continental U.S.
International Student Eligibility (U.S. based roles): F-1 visa students must have approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Occupational Practical Training (OPT) before their Early Career assignment begin. CPT/OPT must relate to their degree and be authorized by their university. Students are responsible for securing this approval through their school’s international office.
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
