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Mechanical Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Key Responsibilities Mechanical Simulation & Engineering Analysis (Core Focus) * Perform advanced mechanical simulations using ANSYS, SolidWorks, or equivalent tools * Analyze stress, strain ...

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Mechanical Simulation information

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical simulation engineer?

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 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 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 cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Simulation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanical Simulation job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Simulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Director, IC Packaging Engineering - Mechanical Simulation

San Diego, CA • On-site


Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 246 rated software companies

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers


$227.30 - $340.90/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

General Summary

This position is part of Qualcomm's Integrated Circuits (IC) Packaging organization and represents a senior leadership role within the Mechanical Simulation function. The Director will lead a team of engineers responsible for delivering FEA-based mechanical simulation solutions in support of Qualcomm's current and next-generation chipsets and advanced packaging technologies.

Core Technical Responsibilities

The Director will drive strategic alignment across IC package design/architecture, New Product Introduction (NPI), assembly, and Chip-Package Interaction (CPI) teams, ensuring high-quality mechanical simulation support across High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) and advanced packaging programs. Key responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing the development and validation of mechanical FEA models (ANSYS APDL).
  • Establishing BKM methodology for test correlation and material characterization.
  • Guiding stress/mechanical analysis for IC package designs, including warpage, solder joint reliability (SJR), package assembly process simulation, board level reliability (BLR), and chip-package-board interaction.
  • Championing innovation in simulation workflows, automation, and tooling to improve team efficiency and scalability.
  • Leading strategic initiatives to advance simulation methodology and best practices across cross-functional teams.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and 8+ years of System/Package Design/Technology Engineering or related work experience.
  • Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and 7+ years of System/Package Design/Technology Engineering or related work experience.
  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and 6+ years of System/Package Design/Technology Engineering or related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical/Microelectronics Engineering, or related field.
  • 12+ years of combined experience in finite element modeling and analysis for IC electronic packaging and interconnects.
  • 5+ years of direct people management, with experience managing managers or senior technical staff.
  • Proven track record of building and scaling high-performing simulation or engineering teams.
  • Deep expertise in IC electronic packaging structures, assembly processes, reliability testing and analysis, CPI, package-board interaction, and DOE.
  • Strong background in electronic packaging materials and thermo-mechanical behavior.
  • Experience establishing simulation BKMs, methodologies, and automation frameworks (e.g., APDL macros, OptiSLang, scripting/automation pipelines).
  • Experience with material testing for strength and fracture, including designing and executing mechanical test methods.
  • Demonstrated experience presenting technical roadmaps and simulation strategies to executive and customer audiences.
  • Publications or patents in FEA predictive modeling, warpage/SJR, and/or interfacial fracture testing (plus).
  • Experience working with external customers or partners in a technical liaison or program leadership capacity.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs and business units.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical programs and influence at senior levels.
Pay Range and Benefits

$227,300.00 - $340,900.00. The company also offers a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunities for annual RSU grants.

EEO Statement

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985


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