Francisco Yapor is a highly skilled mechanical and aeronautical engineer with more than a decade of experience in computer-aided engineering (CAE) across the automotive and manufacturing industries. Currently serving as a Simulation Engineer at MANN+HUMMEL, he leads CAE initiatives for the Americas region, where he provides data-driven recommendations, correlates simulation models with physical testing, and supports continuous improvements in advanced filtration technologies.

Francisco’s career reflects a consistent commitment to technical excellence and innovation. At Reliance One, he supervised a high-performing team of seven analysts, spearheading structural, fatigue, systems engineering, and multibody simulations that optimized product performance and reliability. His earlier role as a CAE Transmission Engineer at Technology Resource Group focused on cutting-edge e-Axle development, where he designed mechanical and fluid simulations to enhance efficiency in electric powertrains.

His foundation in CAE was established at Henniges Automotive, where he spent several years as both a CAE Engineer and Associate Engineer. He became the lead analyst for major automotive OEMs, contributing to projects that generated over $720 million in lifetime sales, while driving improvements in closure systems and autonomous vehicle components. He also gained hands-on product engineering experience by collaborating directly with customers to launch new programs and resolve technical challenges.

Alongside his industry roles, Francisco has nurtured a strong academic path. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Western Michigan University, where his research centers on finite element methods and peridynamic theory. His previous academic work includes a Master’s thesis on multi-scale analysis of composites, and his Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering, also from Western Michigan University, provided the solid technical grounding for his career.

An accomplished researcher, Francisco has published studies in leading journals and forums, including work on nonlinear finite element analysis of porous micro-plates under thermo-mechanical loads, additive manufacturing simulations, and open-source finite element code development. His contributions reflect his passion for integrating research and practical applications in engineering.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Francisco combines technical expertise with strong communication skills, enabling him to collaborate effectively with international teams and stakeholders. He is proficient in a broad suite of engineering software, including MSC.Marc, Abaqus, ANSYS, NASTRAN, Hypermesh, and OptiStruct, as well as programming and modeling tools such as MATLAB, Python, Fortran, and AWS.

Driven by curiosity and precision, Francisco Yapor continues to advance the field of simulation engineering by developing innovative solutions that push the boundaries of product reliability, efficiency, and safety.