Kawasaki Motors Career Opportunities
I have experience with the following CFD analysis software
The CAD package I use most frequently or have the most experience with is:
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Design and engineering of fluid dynamics or aerodynamics applications
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Design and engineering of combustion engine applications
Please note that this position is no longer available.
If you would like to be considered for similar opportunities now or in the future, feel free to apply and/or set up a notifier for yourself.
CFD Engineer
MI - Grand Rapids
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Apply with

Leverage Your Aerodynamic Testing & Simulation Experience to take Ownership of a New Role at an Industry Leader

Enjoy work-life balance and an upbeat culture in new state-of-the-art R&D & testing facility.

This newly added role is your opportunity to serve as a Computational Fluid Dynamics expert and make an impact on multiple projects and customer satisfaction. If you're passionate about engines and are looking for an interesting role where you can work with like-minded professionals, add value, and see the results of your work, the CFD Engineer role with Kawasaki Engines could be your ideal fit. You will enjoy: Relocation assistance is available to highly qualified candidates.

Kawasaki Engines, a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., distributes gasoline engines for landscape, industrial, and consumer markets. The division is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It sells to and services customers through a network of more than 40 OEMs, 15 distributors, and more than 7,750 independent dealers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, select countries in Central and South America, and the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, including Guam.

Video: when you fire up a Kawasaki turf engine, a world of innovation, technology and experience goes to work for you. Robust power is in our DNA. No wonder we can help our dealers' businesses grow.

The Requirements

To be a good fit for the CFD Engineer opportunity, you should have:
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering or another relevant technical focus
  • 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience in automotive or a related field, focusing on CFD  
  • Extensive knowledge/understanding of internal combustion engines
  • Excellent computer skills including:
    • Star-CCM+ (preferred) or similar CFD analysis software required  Quick question for you - click here
    • CATIA CAD or similar design software required  Quick question for you - click here
    • ANSYS engineering simulation and 3-D design software a plus​
    • Microsoft Office Suite skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
In addition to your technical skills, success will require the following core competencies and characteristics.
  • Proven problem-solving and reasoning ability; solid business math skills
  • Outstanding interpersonal and written and verbal communication and listening skills; upbeat and approachable
  • Strong organization and prioritization skills; a commitment to meeting deadlines
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision and as a strong contributing member of a team
  • Flexibility and adaptability; ability to set up processes and help define the role
You also must be able to travel periodically to test locations and suppliers. We anticipate travel to be no more than 10% to 15% of the time.

When you join us, you will be able to pick between 3 shift options: 7 AM - 4 PM or 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday with a one-hour lunch; or 7:30 AM - 5:15 PM with a 45-minute lunch and every other Friday off.  

The Role

Opportunity Overview
Reporting to the Manager, New Development & Gov’t Relations, as CFD Engineer, you will leverage your engineering knowledge and experience to prepare for, execute, and report on aerodynamic simulation. Quick question for you - click here  Simulations will include internal and external components of air cooled v-twin general purpose internal combustion engines. Quick question for you - click here  You will play a key role on the 50+ person R&D team as our sole in-house CFD Engineer.  We'll look to you as a subject-matter-expert able to put processes and systems in place to improve engine performance. 

Daily Interactions
You will interact directly with small R&D teams daily, in our Grand Rapids facility. The facility includes test areas and other labs, as well as office space, but manufacturing is done in other locations. While you will have independent responsibilities, teamwork is an important part of our process. You will proactively cultivate professional relationships and work with the intent of improving the performance of general purpose engines.

You will manage a continuous queue of simulation requests with varying complexity. Days will be spent modeling in CAD, setting up models and mesh, documenting results and making recommendations. More specifically, as part of your specific responsibilities, you will:
  • Set-up, solve, and post-process steady-state (RANS) and transient (URANS/LES) compressible flow simulations within Siemens Star-CCM+
  • Prepare 3D CAD and generate mesh models appropriate for simulations within Siemens Star-CCM+
  • Prepare new and existing 3D CAD geometry for use in CFD Simulations
  • Maintain database of CFD results and analysis on remote servers
  • Aid in development of internal and external engine components and flow measurement systems for CFD validation
  • Perform CFD and thermal analysis for mechanical systems.
  • Provide design engineering services for components and subsystems.
  • Provide technical expertise in problem resolution, cost reduction, and quality improvement.· Support Design team in product design and development activities.
  • Provide effective design solutions to optimize product functionality, reliability and stability.
  • Follow best practices for accurate computational efficiency.
  • Provide accurate and detailed reports of CFD results.
  • Perform technical design reviews and recommend improvements.
  • Work with R&D Testing team in developing and executing design verification plans and mechanical testing methods.
  • Attend team meetings to discuss design techniques and issues.
  • Ensure that product design and performance meets technical and functional requirements.
  • Aid in development of new method and technology for CFD analysis.
  • Maintain complete documentations for CFD analysis and engineering methods.
  • Develop process improvements and standard work practices for operational efficiency.Other duties as assigned
Pictured: FX850V-EFI 29.5 hp (above): the most powerful EFI engine yet for higher productivity and business-building potential. FS730V-EFI 25.5 hp (below): new electronic fuel injection technology engine. Kawasaki EFI fuel management continually adjusts power to load, keeping blade tip speed constant and ground speed steady. These engines deliver optimum cutting speed through tough conditions and maximum fuel economy.

More Good Reasons

Professional development
You will expand your skills and experience as you work with diverse engines and applications, and contribute to the success of new product development and product improvement. We encourage knowledge sharing, and you'll trade ideas and insights with a strong team of Engineers and others including Kawasaki veterans and newer talent, while also serving your niche role as CFD SME.  

Great culture
The Grand Rapids team has over 100 members on site and we have created a friendly and casual (blue jeans are fine) environment with down-to-earth people who enjoy working together and helping one another. We also sponsor fun events, such as attending local minor league baseball games, declaring special days such as "hot dog day" or "chips'n'dips day," and holding holiday parties. These are just some of the reasons we have a high number of long-tenured employees. People like working at Kawasaki!

Career options
Success in this role could set you up to advance within the CFD Engineer role. We have Engineer I, II, III and Senior Engineer levels throughout the organization. At Kawasaki Engines, we are dedicated to helping our employees learn and develop their skills and advance. At the same time, while you will advance your skills and level, if you're highly ambitious and hungry to quickly work your way up through the ranks, this is not the right role. You won't find corporate layers but you will find interesting challenges and wide exposure.

Unique corporate philosophy
Would you like to work for a company where "Good Times"™ isn't just an idea, it's a philosophy? As an employee of Kawasaki, you will find your ideas welcomed and your hard work appreciated. Our tagline, "Let the good times roll"™, is recognized worldwide. Our mutual task is to take this exciting company into the future by continuously delivering the Good Times to the consumer, our dealers and our employees.

Innovative products and brand recognition
Motorcycles, lawn & garden products, side x side vehicles, watercraft, ATVs and small engines are just some of the unique consumer products that have made the Kawasaki brand a household name around the world. Kawasaki products lead the power sports industry around the globe. The secret of Kawasaki's success is in designing and manufacturing products that offer balanced performance, high quality, reliability and excellent fit and finish.

Excellent compensation
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a premium benefits package that includes all that you would expect, such as healthcare and other insurances and a 401(k) plan, and a few surprises, including a discount on Kawasaki products, tuition assistance, paid time off and more.

Video: a lawn care professional puts Kawasaki EFI engines to the test and shares his real-world perspective on EFI performance.

Keys to Success

Your technical skills will be paramount, but this is also a role requiring strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to deadlines. While we enjoy strong camaraderie and enjoy having fun, we also take pride in delivering results. The ideal combination for success here is a strong work ethic and an easy-going, friendly approach. We're proactive about keeping the atmosphere upbeat and healthy, and we'll look to you engage as a positive, reliable and trusted member of the team.

In addition, in order to be an outstanding CFD Engineer, you will:
  • Be dedicated to meeting project timelines and production deadlines
  • Interact effectively with a wide variety of personalities
  • Pay close attention to details, but also understand the bigger picture and how the details fit into it
  • Manage multiple activities and priorities well
  • Keep an eye out for ways to create and improve processes
  • Take a proactive approach to keeping your product knowledge current
  • Remain open to learning new ways of doing things

About Us

The Critical Power Difference: About Kawasaki Engines

Kawasaki Engines designs and builds top-of-the-line commercial and residential small lawn mower engines, from walk behinds to zero turns and other turf and construction equipment. Our nationwide network of Kawasaki Authorized Dealers is on hand to provide expert information, small engine service, and sales of Kawasaki powered equipment and genuine parts.

Let the Good Times Roll: About Kawasaki Motors Corp.

Hard work and a dream. That's what established American Kawasaki Motorcycle Corp. way back in March of 1966. The first headquarters, an old meat warehouse in Chicago, was a humble beginning for the factory team sent to open the U.S. market. Today, KMC's annual revenue tops 1.6 billion dollars. There are approximately 400 employees and more than 1,200 dealers.

Our bestselling Ninja® sportbikes, classic Vulcan™ cruisers, rugged ATV, Teryx® and Mule™ Side x Side vehicles and exclusive JET SKI® watercraft form the foundation of our Good Times Company image.

Besides the headquarters building in Irvine, California, KMC has regional sales offices and/or distribution centers in Piscataway, New Jersey; Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Worth, Texas, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. of Lincoln, Nebraska operates a small engine manufacturing plant in Maryville, Missouri. For more information see: kawaskienginesusa.Clicking this link will navigate you away from this page. Be sure to come back to submit your application.

Video: Take a tour of the Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing plant in Maryville, MO, and see what it takes to make a Kawasaki engine. It's an up-close, behind-the-scenes visit that's sure to open your eyes.

Leverage Your Aerodynamic Testing & Simulation Experience to take Ownership of a New Role at an Industry Leader

Enjoy work-life balance and an upbeat culture in new state-of-the-art R&D & testing facility.

This newly added role is your opportunity to serve as a Computational Fluid Dynamics expert and make an impact on multiple projects and customer satisfaction. If you're passionate about engines and are looking for an interesting role where you can work with like-minded professionals, add value, and see the results of your work, the CFD Engineer role with Kawasaki Engines could be your ideal fit. You will enjoy: Relocation assistance is available to highly qualified candidates.

Kawasaki Engines, a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., distributes gasoline engines for landscape, industrial, and consumer markets. The division is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It sells to and services customers through a network of more than 40 OEMs, 15 distributors, and more than 7,750 independent dealers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, select countries in Central and South America, and the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, including Guam.

Video: when you fire up a Kawasaki turf engine, a world of innovation, technology and experience goes to work for you. Robust power is in our DNA. No wonder we can help our dealers' businesses grow.

The Requirements

To be a good fit for the CFD Engineer opportunity, you should have:
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering or another relevant technical focus
  • 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience in automotive or a related field, focusing on CFD  
  • Extensive knowledge/understanding of internal combustion engines
  • Excellent computer skills including:
    • Star-CCM+ (preferred) or similar CFD analysis software required  Quick question for you - click here
    • CATIA CAD or similar design software required  Quick question for you - click here
    • ANSYS engineering simulation and 3-D design software a plus​
    • Microsoft Office Suite skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
In addition to your technical skills, success will require the following core competencies and characteristics.
  • Proven problem-solving and reasoning ability; solid business math skills
  • Outstanding interpersonal and written and verbal communication and listening skills; upbeat and approachable
  • Strong organization and prioritization skills; a commitment to meeting deadlines
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision and as a strong contributing member of a team
  • Flexibility and adaptability; ability to set up processes and help define the role
You also must be able to travel periodically to test locations and suppliers. We anticipate travel to be no more than 10% to 15% of the time.

When you join us, you will be able to pick between 3 shift options: 7 AM - 4 PM or 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday with a one-hour lunch; or 7:30 AM - 5:15 PM with a 45-minute lunch and every other Friday off.  

The Role

Opportunity Overview
Reporting to the Manager, New Development & Gov’t Relations, as CFD Engineer, you will leverage your engineering knowledge and experience to prepare for, execute, and report on aerodynamic simulation. Quick question for you - click here  Simulations will include internal and external components of air cooled v-twin general purpose internal combustion engines. Quick question for you - click here  You will play a key role on the 50+ person R&D team as our sole in-house CFD Engineer.  We'll look to you as a subject-matter-expert able to put processes and systems in place to improve engine performance. 

Daily Interactions
You will interact directly with small R&D teams daily, in our Grand Rapids facility. The facility includes test areas and other labs, as well as office space, but manufacturing is done in other locations. While you will have independent responsibilities, teamwork is an important part of our process. You will proactively cultivate professional relationships and work with the intent of improving the performance of general purpose engines.

You will manage a continuous queue of simulation requests with varying complexity. Days will be spent modeling in CAD, setting up models and mesh, documenting results and making recommendations. More specifically, as part of your specific responsibilities, you will:
  • Set-up, solve, and post-process steady-state (RANS) and transient (URANS/LES) compressible flow simulations within Siemens Star-CCM+
  • Prepare 3D CAD and generate mesh models appropriate for simulations within Siemens Star-CCM+
  • Prepare new and existing 3D CAD geometry for use in CFD Simulations
  • Maintain database of CFD results and analysis on remote servers
  • Aid in development of internal and external engine components and flow measurement systems for CFD validation
  • Perform CFD and thermal analysis for mechanical systems.
  • Provide design engineering services for components and subsystems.
  • Provide technical expertise in problem resolution, cost reduction, and quality improvement.· Support Design team in product design and development activities.
  • Provide effective design solutions to optimize product functionality, reliability and stability.
  • Follow best practices for accurate computational efficiency.
  • Provide accurate and detailed reports of CFD results.
  • Perform technical design reviews and recommend improvements.
  • Work with R&D Testing team in developing and executing design verification plans and mechanical testing methods.
  • Attend team meetings to discuss design techniques and issues.
  • Ensure that product design and performance meets technical and functional requirements.
  • Aid in development of new method and technology for CFD analysis.
  • Maintain complete documentations for CFD analysis and engineering methods.
  • Develop process improvements and standard work practices for operational efficiency.Other duties as assigned
Pictured: FX850V-EFI 29.5 hp (above): the most powerful EFI engine yet for higher productivity and business-building potential. FS730V-EFI 25.5 hp (below): new electronic fuel injection technology engine. Kawasaki EFI fuel management continually adjusts power to load, keeping blade tip speed constant and ground speed steady. These engines deliver optimum cutting speed through tough conditions and maximum fuel economy.

More Good Reasons

Professional development
You will expand your skills and experience as you work with diverse engines and applications, and contribute to the success of new product development and product improvement. We encourage knowledge sharing, and you'll trade ideas and insights with a strong team of Engineers and others including Kawasaki veterans and newer talent, while also serving your niche role as CFD SME.  

Great culture
The Grand Rapids team has over 100 members on site and we have created a friendly and casual (blue jeans are fine) environment with down-to-earth people who enjoy working together and helping one another. We also sponsor fun events, such as attending local minor league baseball games, declaring special days such as "hot dog day" or "chips'n'dips day," and holding holiday parties. These are just some of the reasons we have a high number of long-tenured employees. People like working at Kawasaki!

Career options
Success in this role could set you up to advance within the CFD Engineer role. We have Engineer I, II, III and Senior Engineer levels throughout the organization. At Kawasaki Engines, we are dedicated to helping our employees learn and develop their skills and advance. At the same time, while you will advance your skills and level, if you're highly ambitious and hungry to quickly work your way up through the ranks, this is not the right role. You won't find corporate layers but you will find interesting challenges and wide exposure.

Unique corporate philosophy
Would you like to work for a company where "Good Times"™ isn't just an idea, it's a philosophy? As an employee of Kawasaki, you will find your ideas welcomed and your hard work appreciated. Our tagline, "Let the good times roll"™, is recognized worldwide. Our mutual task is to take this exciting company into the future by continuously delivering the Good Times to the consumer, our dealers and our employees.

Innovative products and brand recognition
Motorcycles, lawn & garden products, side x side vehicles, watercraft, ATVs and small engines are just some of the unique consumer products that have made the Kawasaki brand a household name around the world. Kawasaki products lead the power sports industry around the globe. The secret of Kawasaki's success is in designing and manufacturing products that offer balanced performance, high quality, reliability and excellent fit and finish.

Excellent compensation
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a premium benefits package that includes all that you would expect, such as healthcare and other insurances and a 401(k) plan, and a few surprises, including a discount on Kawasaki products, tuition assistance, paid time off and more.

Video: a lawn care professional puts Kawasaki EFI engines to the test and shares his real-world perspective on EFI performance.

Keys to Success

Your technical skills will be paramount, but this is also a role requiring strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to deadlines. While we enjoy strong camaraderie and enjoy having fun, we also take pride in delivering results. The ideal combination for success here is a strong work ethic and an easy-going, friendly approach. We're proactive about keeping the atmosphere upbeat and healthy, and we'll look to you engage as a positive, reliable and trusted member of the team.

In addition, in order to be an outstanding CFD Engineer, you will:
  • Be dedicated to meeting project timelines and production deadlines
  • Interact effectively with a wide variety of personalities
  • Pay close attention to details, but also understand the bigger picture and how the details fit into it
  • Manage multiple activities and priorities well
  • Keep an eye out for ways to create and improve processes
  • Take a proactive approach to keeping your product knowledge current
  • Remain open to learning new ways of doing things

About Us

The Critical Power Difference: About Kawasaki Engines

Kawasaki Engines designs and builds top-of-the-line commercial and residential small lawn mower engines, from walk behinds to zero turns and other turf and construction equipment. Our nationwide network of Kawasaki Authorized Dealers is on hand to provide expert information, small engine service, and sales of Kawasaki powered equipment and genuine parts.

Let the Good Times Roll: About Kawasaki Motors Corp.

Hard work and a dream. That's what established American Kawasaki Motorcycle Corp. way back in March of 1966. The first headquarters, an old meat warehouse in Chicago, was a humble beginning for the factory team sent to open the U.S. market. Today, KMC's annual revenue tops 1.6 billion dollars. There are approximately 400 employees and more than 1,200 dealers.

Our bestselling Ninja® sportbikes, classic Vulcan™ cruisers, rugged ATV, Teryx® and Mule™ Side x Side vehicles and exclusive JET SKI® watercraft form the foundation of our Good Times Company image.

Besides the headquarters building in Irvine, California, KMC has regional sales offices and/or distribution centers in Piscataway, New Jersey; Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Worth, Texas, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. of Lincoln, Nebraska operates a small engine manufacturing plant in Maryville, Missouri. For more information see: kawaskienginesusa.Clicking this link will navigate you away from this page. Be sure to come back to submit your application.

Video: Take a tour of the Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing plant in Maryville, MO, and see what it takes to make a Kawasaki engine. It's an up-close, behind-the-scenes visit that's sure to open your eyes.
Kawasaki Motors is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
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Apply with