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Automation Simulation Engineer Jobs in North Carolina

Hayward

Principal Simulation Engineer

Clemmons, NC · On-site

Promote consistent, continuous improvement of simulation practices, tools, scripting/automation libraries, and documentation across Hayward's global engineering sites. * Evaluate and recommend new ...

Corning

Supervisor, Automation Process

Hickory, NC · On-site

As a Senior Automation Process Engineer, you will own that definition across an entire multi ... Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for engineering analysis or simulation

Apex Informatics

Test Automation Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$45 - $59.25/hr

Position Title * Test Automation Engineer Position Responsibilities Test Automation Engineer ... Test automation - Writing code to automate test scenarios, including scripts to simulate user ...

Vulcan Elements

Controls Engineer

Benson, NC · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Controls layouts, network topology layouts, station cycle times, sequence diagrams, and automation simulations. * Engineering Diagrams : Electrical schematics, pneumatic drawings, controls panel ...

Scout Motors

Lead Engineer - Automation Tooling

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Experience building cloud-native developer platforms, large-scale simulation and validation infrastructure, HIL/SIL automation frameworks. * Leadership Competencies * Strong system-level thinking ...

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Automation Simulation Engineer information

What is an automation simulation engineer?

Automation Simulation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test virtual models of automated systems, such as robotics, manufacturing lines, or industrial processes. They use simulation software to replicate real-world operations, helping companies optimize performance, identify issues, and reduce costs before actual implementation. Their work is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where efficiency and precision are vital. By simulating automation systems, they enable organizations to make informed decisions and improve overall productivity.

What is the difference between Automation Simulation Engineer vs Automation Test Engineer?

AspectAutomation Simulation EngineerAutomation Test Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and validating simulation models for automation systemsDesigning and executing automated tests for software and hardware
Required SkillsSimulation software, control systems, programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB)Testing frameworks, scripting, defect tracking
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsSoftware development teams, QA departments, manufacturing
Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, industrial automationSoftware development, electronics, automation industries

While both roles involve automation, the Automation Simulation Engineer focuses on creating virtual models to test automation systems, whereas the Automation Test Engineer concentrates on executing automated tests to ensure software and hardware quality. Both roles require technical skills and are vital in automation industries, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

How does an automation simulation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project development?

Automation Simulation Engineers frequently work alongside controls engineers, mechanical designers, and project managers to ensure simulation models accurately reflect real-world system behaviors. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, sharing simulation results, and iterating on model parameters based on feedback from different departments. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as simulation insights guide design choices, troubleshoot potential issues, and optimize automation processes before physical implementation. This cross-disciplinary approach ensures smoother project execution and greater system reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, control systems, and process automation, usually supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering. Proficiency with simulation software (such as Siemens Tecnomatix, Rockwell Arena, or MATLAB/Simulink), programming languages, and PLC systems is crucial, and certifications in automation or simulation tools are often valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable you to interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential to ensure accurate modeling, efficient automation solutions, and successful project outcomes in industrial environments.
What are popular job titles related to Automation Simulation Engineer jobs in North Carolina? For Automation Simulation Engineer jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Infographic showing various Automation Simulation Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Principal Simulation Engineer

Hayward Industries

Clemmons, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Hayward Industries rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions at our company owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Responsibilities
  • Lead CFD simulation strategy across Hayward's product portfolio, including residential and commercial pumps, filters, gas heaters, robotic cleaners, salt chlorinators, and electronic control systems.
  • Drive simulation-led design from concept through validation, ensuring predictive analysis is embedded early in the product development process to reduce prototype cycles and accelerate time-to-market.
  • Mentor and develop simulation and design engineers in CFD methodologies, meshing best practices, turbulence modeling, and test correlation.
  • Act as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to engineering leadership, identifying simulation opportunities, influencing product design decisions, and advising on tradeoffs between hydraulic performance, thermal management, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Promote consistent, continuous improvement of simulation practices, tools, scripting/automation libraries, and documentation across Hayward's global engineering sites.
  • Evaluate and recommend new simulation software and computing infrastructure investments aligned with Hayward's broad product portfolio rather than narrow specialty needs. Technical and Operational Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute CFD models for centrifugal pumps and hydraulic components, including impeller and volute/diffuser analysis, multiphase and cavitation prediction, and efficiency optimization.
  • Perform conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and reacting-flow simulations for gas heaters, and electronics-cooling analyses for variable-speed drives and control electronics.
  • Establish and maintain meshing, turbulence-model, and convergence best practices, including y+ judgment, MRF/sliding mesh setup for rotating machinery, and appropriate use of RANS and (where justified) LES/DES approaches.
  • Own the CFD-to-test correlation loop in partnership with the lab team, including identifying root causes of simulation-test discrepancies and refining models accordingly.
  • Develop scripting and automation workflows (Python, Java macros) to standardize simulation pipelines, run DOEs and design-optimization studies, and improve team productivity.
  • Make effective use of high-performance simulation workstations for transient and large-scale cases.
  • Engage in technical design reviews to identify simulation needs, advise project teams on analysis strategies, and contribute to product design decisions, including a working sense of manufacturability and assembly so that simulation-driven design proposals are practical to implement.
  • Author and maintain simulation process documentation, procedures, and training materials.
  • Collaborate with the FEA, MBD, and 1D system-modeling activities as needed, supporting structural, thermal, NVH, and system-level analyses across the simulation team.

Qualifications:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering. Master's degree preferred. Experience
  • 5+ years of industrial CFD experience, ideally with rotating-equipment exposure.
  • Proficiency with a commercial CFD solver (Star-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, or CFX).
  • Demonstrated expertise in turbulence modeling (RANS, k-ω SST), meshing (structured and unstructured), MRF and sliding-mesh approaches for rotating machinery, conjugate heat transfer, and multiphase / cavitation modeling.
  • Experience running CFD on high-performance simulation workstations for transient and large-scale cases.
  • Scripting and automation experience (Python preferred; Java macros and MATLAB acceptable).
  • Working knowledge of 3D CAD; SolidWorks preferred (NX or Creo acceptable).
  • Demonstrated ownership of CFD-to-test correlation, including lab and experimental validation.
  • Experience leading or mentoring engineers. Skills and Attributes (Nice to Have)
  • Pump and hydraulic turbomachinery domain (strongly relevant): centrifugal pump impeller and volute/diffuser design experience; familiarity with pump-design tools such as AxSTREAM, CFTurbo, BladeGen, or TurboDesign.
  • Adjacent product physics: combustion / reacting-flow simulation for gas heaters; electronics-cooling CFD using general-purpose solvers (Star-CCM+ or Fluent).
  • Adjacent simulation: FEA - structural and thermal (Ansys Mechanical, Abaqus, or equivalent); MBD for NVH (Adams, Recurdyn, Simpack, or equivalent); FSI (fluid-structure interaction); 1D system modeling (Dymola, AMESim, GT-Suite, Flowmaster, or equivalent).
  • Other: awareness of design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles for high-volume consumer products, sufficient to evaluate the practicality of simulation-driven design proposals; familiarity with relevant standards (Hydraulic Institute for pumps; UL/NSF for pool equipment); experience with open-source CFD (OpenFOAM).
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to balance technical rigor and business priorities.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills; able to convey complex simulation results to design, test, and leadership audiences.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities.
  • Collaborative leadership style.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for cross-site collaboration, supplier engagement, or industry conferences. Work Environment
  • Involves both office and laboratory work. Indoor and outdoor activities are routine requirements of the job.
  • Commonly works around water, mechanical assemblies, and electrical machinery. #LI-LS1

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