Drop Test Simulation Lead– Abaqus Explicit (Consumer Electronics)

Job Requirements

At Quest Global, it’s not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. With over 25 years as an engineering services provider, we believe in the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Our people are driven by the desire to make the world a better place—to make a positive difference that contributes to a brighter future. We bring together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals who are empowered by an intentional workplace culture, to solve problems better and faster.

We are known for our extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Questians are driven by hunger, humility, and aspiration. We believe that our company culture is the key to our ability to make a true difference in every industry we reach. Our teams regularly invest time and dedicated effort into internal culture work, ensuring that all voices are heard.

We wholeheartedly believe in the diversity of thought that comes with fostering a culture rooted in respect, where everyone belongs, is valued, and feels inspired to share their ideas. We know embracing our unique differences makes us better, and that solving the worlds hardest engineering problems requires diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds. We shine the brightest when we tap into the many dimensions that thrive across over 21,000 difference-makers in our workplace.

Work Experience

Required Skills & Qualifications

**Role Summary**

We are looking for a Drop Test Simulation Engineer with strong expertise in Abaqus/Explicit to support virtual drop, impact, and shock durability assessments of consumer electronic products such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, accessories, and compact electronic assemblies.

The role involves building high‑fidelity explicit FE models, correlating simulations with physical drop tests, and providing design recommendations to ensure product robustness and compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Simulation & Analysis

• Perform explicit dynamic simulations using Abaqus/Explicit for:
• Free‑fall drops
• Edge, corner, and face impacts
• Shock / impact response
• Package vs bare‑device drop scenarios
• Develop detailed FE models including:
• Enclosures (plastic, metal, composite)
• PCB assemblies
• Displays, glass, and brittle components
• Fasteners, adhesives, gaskets, and connectors
• Define and validate:
• Nonlinear material models (plasticity, damage, failure)
• Contact interactions, friction, and damping
• Initial conditions and boundary conditions
• Evaluate:
• Stress, strain, acceleration, contact forces
• Failure risk for glass cracking, solder joint damage, housing failure

Correlation & Validation

• Correlate simulation results with physical drop test data
• Support DOE studies to assess sensitivity to:
• Drop height
• Orientation
• Material and thickness variations
• Recommend design improvements to enhance drop survivability

Design Support & Reporting

• Work closely with industrial design, mechanical design, and test teams
• Provide clear engineering insights to support:
• Design trade‑offs
• Weight and thickness reduction
• Material selection
• Prepare simulation reports with:
• Assumptions and methodologies
• Correlation plots
• Risk assessment and recommendations

Technical Skills

• Strong hands‑on experience with Abaqus/Explicit
• Solid understanding of:
• Explicit dynamics theory
• Contact mechanics
• Nonlinear large‑deformation behavior
• Experience modeling:
• Plastics, metals, elastomers
• Brittle materials (glass, ceramic)
• Adhesives and foam components
• Meshing expertise for:
• Impact and drop events
• Balance between accuracy and solve time
• Knowledge of consumer electronics drop standards, such as:
• IEC / JEDEC / internal OEM drop specifications

CAD & Pre/Post Tools

• Working knowledge of CAD tools such as Creo / NX / SolidWorks
• Experience with:
• Abaqus/Hypermesh CAE pre‑processing
• Post‑processing and automation (Python scripting – preferred)

Domain Experience (Preferred)

• Smartphones, tablets, wearables, earphones
• Compact electronic housings and assemblies
• Fragility assessment of glass and display stacks
• PCB and component shock response

Education

• Master’s degree in:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Mechatronics

Nice to Have

• Experience 6 to 12 years
• LS‑DYNA (added advantage)
• Material characterization for impact loads
• Exposure to:
• Thermal–mechanical coupling
• Reliability or durability simulations
• Ability to mentor junior engineers

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work in fast‑paced consumer product development cycles
• Clear communication with cross‑functional teams
• Detail‑oriented with strong documentation discipline