How To Become A Simulation Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a simulation engineer and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024

6 min read

Quoted Experts

Saeed Khan,

Saeed Khan

A simulation engineer is a professional who uses computer simulation technologies to test and evaluate engineering solutions. They create virtual environments to assess the performance, durability, and safety of engineering designs, often for complex and expensive projects like helicopters, satellites, or submarines. Simulation engineers utilize programming languages such as C++ and Fortran to build these simulated environments. They collaborate with design and production teams to achieve project goals. A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM field is required, along with knowledge of software development and simulation systems.

What general advice would you give to a Simulation Engineer?

Saeed Khan

Professor of Engineering Technology, Website

First of all, find a position that corresponds to their technical interests for the long run. Carefully seek out what the expectations of their chosen position are and identify the gaps in skills and knowledge required. Work ceaselessly to gain proficiencies that allow them to excel using every resource at hand.

How long does it takes to become a simulation engineer?

It typically takes 5-6 years to become a simulation engineer:

Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics. During this time, you will learn about programming, algorithms, data structures, and simulation techniques.
Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience. In the first 2-4 years, you will work on projects that involve designing, developing, and testing simulations. You may also receive on-the-job training that lasts for 6-12 months.

ScoreSimulation EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.5

Avg. Salary $97,266

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.4

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.30%

Asian 16.37%

Black or African American 4.00%

Hispanic or Latino 10.00%

Unknown 4.36%

White 64.96%

Gender

female 15.41%

male 84.59%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

5.7

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Simulation Engineer career paths

Simulation engineers can go on to become systems engineers, engineers, or project engineers. They can also move into management positions like project engineering manager, engineering manager, or director. Some may choose to specialize in a specific area, such as process engineering or reservoir engineering, and advance to senior positions like senior staff engineer or senior engineering manager. Others may choose to move into leadership roles like chief technology officer or vice president of engineering.

Key steps to become a simulation engineer

Explore simulation engineer education requirements

The educational requirements for a simulation engineer are typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, or physics. According to Professor Saeed Khan, Professor of Engineering Technology, "Engineering Technology graduates are valued for their ability to implement and breadboard better than engineers by companies that hire from both majors based on survey data." This suggests that simulation engineers with a strong practical skillset may have an advantage in the job market.

Most common simulation engineer degrees

Bachelor's

66.7 %

Master's

23.4 %

Associate

5.5 %

Start to develop specific simulation engineer skills

A simulation engineer should possess a range of skills. They should be able to develop computer visualization tools, integrate discrimination models into simulations, and design real-time emulation environments. They must also be proficient in programming languages such as Java, C+ and Python, and be able to use CAD tools like SolidWorks. In addition, they should be skilled in creating discrete event simulation models, performing material flow analysis, and providing simulation results to various stakeholders.

Skills	Percentages
Python	14.07%
MATLAB	5.91%
Simulink	5.91%
Java	5.13%
Systems Engineering	4.35%

Complete relevant simulation engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New simulation engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a simulation engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real simulation engineer resumes.

Research simulation engineer duties and responsibilities

Simulation engineers develop and maintain computer visualization tools, integrate models into simulations, and design real-time emulation environments. They also test and analyze systems, perform material flow analysis, and create virtual simulation environments. As Ahmed Temani, Senior Instructor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, puts it, "Skills in data analysis, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be increasingly used to optimize processes."

Manage hardware and software development, integration, and support of the HIL simulation laboratory.
Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
Create numerous SBIR/STTR proposals for NASA and DOD.
Train clients in the usage of engineering software such as AutoCAD and MATLAB.

Prepare your simulation engineer resume

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