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Mechanical Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FIRST RF

Mechanical Simulation Engineer

Boulder, CO

Develop and validate simulation models through correlation with environment, thermal, and vibration test data * Collaborate with RF, mechanical, and electrical, and systems engineers to optimize ...

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Mechanical Simulation information

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$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do mechanical simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical simulation in the United States is $123,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical collaboration points between mechanical simulation engineers and other departments within a company?

Mechanical simulation engineers frequently work alongside design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure that virtual models accurately represent real-world conditions. They often consult with design engineers to clarify requirements and with manufacturing teams to address feasibility concerns. Regular meetings and reviews help align simulation results with project goals, and close collaboration with testing teams ensures that simulation outcomes are validated against physical prototypes. This multidisciplinary interaction is crucial for optimizing product performance and reducing development time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with simulation software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks, along with proficiency in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate modeling, efficient problem resolution, and successful project outcomes in complex engineering environments.

What is the difference between Mechanical Simulation vs Mechanical Design?

AspectMechanical SimulationMechanical Design
Primary FocusAnalyzing and testing mechanical systems using simulation softwareCreating and developing mechanical components and assemblies
Required SkillsKnowledge of FEA, CAD, and simulation toolsCAD design, engineering principles, and product development
Work EnvironmentOften involves software modeling, testing labs, or virtual environmentsDesign studios, engineering offices, or manufacturing settings
Common CertificationsFEA certifications, CAD software certificationsProfessional engineering licenses, CAD certifications

Mechanical Simulation and Mechanical Design are closely related roles within the engineering field. Mechanical Simulation focuses on analyzing and validating mechanical systems through software tools, while Mechanical Design emphasizes creating and developing those systems. Both roles often require similar technical skills and certifications, but their core activities differ—one tests and predicts performance, the other designs and develops products.

What is mechanical simulation?

Mechanical simulation is the use of computer software to model, analyze, and predict the behavior of mechanical systems under various conditions. It allows engineers to visualize how parts and assemblies will perform in real-world scenarios, such as under stress, heat, or motion, without the need for physical prototypes. This process helps identify potential issues early, optimize designs, and save both time and resources in product development.
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Simulation jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Simulation job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Simulation jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Simulation jobs include:
Mechanical Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Simulation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 44% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,399 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Mechanical Simulation Engineer

Mechanical Simulation Engineer

FIRST RF CORPORATION

Boulder, CO • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Summary
FIRST RF is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with demonstrated expertise in FEA analysis methods to support the development of advanced RF and antenna systems for defense and aerospace applications. This role focuses on structural, shock, dynamic, and thermal simulation of complex electronic and RF assemblies operating in demanding environments across land, sea, air, and space platforms.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to predict and solve mechanical challenges before hardware is built, helping ensure mission-critical performance and reliability for our customers.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead structural, thermal, and dynamic simulations for RF systems and electronic assemblies using a suite of Altair (now Siemens) simulation tools (Hypermesh, Optistruct, RADIOSS, Hyperlife), and SolidWorks Simulation.
  • Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate:
    • Thermal performance and heat dissipation
    • Thermo-Structural integrity
    • Shock and vibration survivability
    • Fatigue/Durability
    • Environmental requirements under MIL-STD-810 and related conditions
    • Develop and validate simulation models through correlation with environment, thermal, and vibration test data
  • Collaborate with RF, mechanical, and electrical, and systems engineers to optimize designs for
    • Weight
    • Manufacturability
    • Reliability
    • Environmental performance
    • RF compatibility
  • Support the design and packaging of high-reliability electronic and RF hardware for aerospace and defense applications
  • Participate in technical and customer design reviews, presenting analysis results, and engineering recommendations
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation, analysis reports, and test correlation data
  • Support root-cause investigations and troubleshooting activities during integration and test
  • Ensure compliance with ITAR, customer requirements, and applicable industry and military standards

Required Education and Experience
  • Must have U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, electronics packaging, or related industries
  • Strong experience performing structural, thermal, and vibration simulation on complex assemblies
  • Proficiency with simulation tools such as
    • Altair (now Siemens) Software Suite (Preferred)
    • SolidWorks Simulation (Preferred)
    • MSC Nastran
    • NX Nastran
    • ABAQUS
  • Experience with electronic packaging for high-reliability environments
  • Strong understanding of
    • FEA concepts & methodologies
    • Thermal management techniques
    • Shock and vibration analysis
    • High-temperature material options and perfornance
  • Experience working with MIL-STD-810 and/or DO-160 environmental requirements
  • Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools, SolidWorks preferred
  • Extensive knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and GD&T
  • Experience with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, and composite structures
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary development environment
Preferred Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience supporting DoD or aerospace programs
  • Experience designing for harsh or high-temperature environments
  • Familiarity with RF systems, phased arrays, or antenna systems
  • Experience with test correlation and model validation
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other technical programming languages
  • Experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior engineers
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Typical office hours include Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm; however, these hours may vary based on workload and the manager's discretion.
Travel
About 10% travel is expected for this position as required for testing, customer interaction, or program support.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. The employee will also regularly be seated at a desk and using a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About FIRST RF
FIRST RF is a fast-growing, multi-discipline, privately owned small business focused on engineering and manufacturing of advanced technologies - specifically in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems. We are an energetic team empowered with world-class facilities and resources. We promote a culture which prioritizes innovation and responsiveness. By making bold investments in the development of groundbreaking technologies, FIRST RF has fielded award-winning products ranging from revolutionary passive antennas to highly complex, active antenna systems.
Benefits Summary
We offer all employees four weeks of PTO each year, flexible scheduling, hybrid work, tuition reimbursement, up to 6% 401(k) match, and healthcare, dental, and vision plans.
AAP/EEO Statement
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, assignment, re-assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, and termination. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We support protected veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.
First Rf logo

About First Rf

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Boulder, CO, US

Year founded

2003

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