Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between simulation engineers and equipment engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a simulation engineer, becoming an equipment engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an equipment engineer has an average salary of $97,539, which is higher than the $97,266 average annual salary of a simulation engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for an equipment engineer are equipment performance, semiconductor, and project management.
| Simulation Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $97,539 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $46.89 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 108,449 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A simulation engineer is an engineering professional who uses technical expertise and knowledge of computer simulation technologies to test the performance, durability, and safety of engineering solutions. Simulation engineers must use a virtual environment when working on an incredibly intricate and expensive project such as a new helicopter, satellite, or submarine. They use computer programming languages such as C++ and Fortran to model simulated environment. Simulation engineers are also required to collaborate with the design and production teams so that they can accomplish a specific project.
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Simulation engineers and equipment engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $97,539 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $69,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | Meta | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a simulation engineer and an equipment engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between simulation engineers' and equipment engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 15.1% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |