What does a simulation engineer do?
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.
Simulation engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real simulation engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Integrate aircraft and telescope physics base sensor models using C++ and Java programming languages.
- Integrate a Lockheed develop discrimination model (SIMULINK generate C++ code) into the simulation to provide additional fidelity.
- Provide technical support to DoD acquisition program managers.
- Perform model setups and tackle convergence issues on ANSYS.
- Offer training to end users in many SolidWorks courses.
- Perform acreage and large bay buckling analysis in ABAQUS.
- Used linear and non-linear FEA (ABAQUS) extensively.
- Upgrade simulator using FORTRAN and UNIX prior to NRC inspection.
- Train colleagues to efficiently utilize MSC Patran and MSC Nastran.
- Apply newton-raphson methods to predict the fatigue life with math iterating.
- Work independently with customers to solve their problems using SolidWorks products.
Simulation engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Simulation Engineers are proficient in Python, MATLAB, and Simulink. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Business skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Simulation Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 14%
Developed automation programming scripts for engine simulation using Python Language.
- MATLAB, 6%
Created and maintained MATLAB scripts to perform automated analysis of field data from over 40 different engines and platforms.
- Simulink, 6%
Integrated a Lockheed developed discrimination model (SIMULINK generated C++ code) into the simulation to provide additional fidelity.
- Java, 5%
Designed and created a real-time emulation environment in Java.
- Systems Engineering, 4%
Used Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to define change detection criteria and developed progressive characterization methodologies.
- Linux, 4%
Designed and performed computer processor tests for Linux networking computers.
Common skills that a simulation engineer uses to do their job include "python," "matlab," and "simulink." You can find details on the most important simulation engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a simulation engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "aerospace engineers must be able to evaluate project design elements and propose improvements, if necessary." Simulation engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed 3d modeling software to generate visualization of system analysis. "
Business skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling simulation engineer duties is business skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "meeting federal standards in aerospace engineering requires business knowledge, including commercial law." According to a simulation engineer resume, here's how simulation engineers can utilize business skills in their job responsibilities: "lead analyst using simulation modeling to investigate whether aviation climate policy affects the nextgen business case for stakeholders. "
Math skills. simulation engineer responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "aerospace engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other math in their analysis, design, and troubleshooting work." This resume example shows what simulation engineers do with math skills on a typical day: "updated math model cdrl, qtp, qtr, and performance specifications on a yearly basis. "
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in simulation engineer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what simulation engineers do. Simulation engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "aerospace engineers upgrade designs and troubleshoot problems to improve aircraft, such as for increased fuel efficiency or safety." You can also see how simulation engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "developed data visualization tools integrating big data sources including hadoop to illustrate solutions to complex problems expert level matlab developer. "
The three companies that hire the most simulation engineers are:
- Apple15 simulation engineers jobs
- Raytheon Technologies13 simulation engineers jobs
- Intel12 simulation engineers jobs
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Compare different simulation engineers
Simulation engineer vs. Engineering associate
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between simulation engineers and engineering associate. For instance, simulation engineer responsibilities require skills such as "matlab," "simulink," "systems engineering," and "math." Whereas a engineering associate is skilled in "c #," "project management," "ul," and "technical reports." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineering associates tend to make the most money working in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $88,950. In contrast, simulation engineers make the biggest average salary, $96,302, in the professional industry.On average, engineering associates reach lower levels of education than simulation engineers. Engineering associates are 14.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Simulation engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real simulation engineer resumes. While simulation engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "matlab," "simulink," "systems engineering," and "math," research and development engineers use skills like "c #," "patients," "project management," and "prototype."
Research and development engineers earn a higher average salary than simulation engineers. But research and development engineers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $107,654. Additionally, simulation engineers earn the highest salaries in the professional with average pay of $96,302 annually.research and development engineers earn lower levels of education than simulation engineers in general. They're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Simulation engineer vs. Product development engineer
A Product Development Engineer is responsible for creating and testing new product designs. They collaborate with market researchers to evaluate market needs, existing competition, and potential costs.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from simulation engineer resumes include skills like "python," "simulink," "systems engineering," and "linux," whereas a product development engineer is more likely to list skills in "product development," "project management," "product design," and "prototype. "
Product development engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $86,062. On the other hand, simulation engineers are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $96,302.Most product development engineers achieve a lower degree level compared to simulation engineers. For example, they're 8.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Simulation engineer vs. Product design engineer
A Product Design Engineer designs new products that customers will want to purchase. They are responsible for designing, modeling, and testing prototypes for products.
Types of simulation engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
