Per Diem Simulation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Your Job
We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to develop and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to accelerate structural and electrical simulations. This role bridges product development, finite element analysis (FEA), signal integrity (SI) analysis, and AI modeling, enabling faster and smarter product design.
You will work closely with domain experts in simulation and data science to explore physics-informed AI models and hybrid simulation workflows (e.g., reduced-order modeling, surrogate modeling, or neural operators) for real-world structural applications.
Our Team
At Molex, we create connections for life by enabling technologies that transform the future and improve lives. With a presence in more than 40 countries, we offer a complete range of connectivity products, services, and solutions across various industries, including data communications, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Our Datacom and Specialty Solutions (DSS) team specializes in providing high speed connector solutions essential for building reliable communications equipment, catering to telecommunications, datacom, hyperscalers, cloud, data center, and storage applications. We continue to innovate to meet the demands of next-generation markets.
What You Will Do

• Develop, implement, and validate next-generation simulation frameworks that leverage data-driven and physics-based approaches to accelerate structural and multi-physics analyses.
• Integrate physics-informed or reduced-order models into existing FEA workflows (e.g., Abaqus, LS-DYNA, ANSYS Workbench) to enhance speed and scalability.
• Build and calibrate surrogate models that accurately approximate high-fidelity simulations while maintaining minimal accuracy loss.
• Automate data generation and management pipelines from FEA results to support model training, validation, and continuous improvement.
• Analyze and balance trade-offs among model fidelity, computational efficiency, and generalization performance for different applications.
• Evaluate and deploy emerging AI-for-simulation technologies (e.g., Altair PhysicsAI, Ansys SimAI) to accelerate structural, thermal, and electrical co-simulation and design optimization.
• Design and enhance automated optimization workflows that couple FEA and signal integrity simulations (e.g., using ModeFrontier, ANSYS OptiSLang, or equivalent platforms).
• Document, publish, and communicate findings to promote adoption of advanced simulation methodologies across engineering teams.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in solid mechanics, finite element methods (FEM), and numerical modeling for structural and multi-physics applications.
• Hands-on experience with one or more major FEA tools (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS Workbench, LS-DYNA), including setup, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Proficient in Python programming, with experience in numerical and scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and related tools.
• Experience with data preprocessing, model training, and validation workflows, including handling simulation datasets and building data pipelines for AI/ML applications.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts effectively to interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

What Will Put You Ahead

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field, with a strong focus on computational modeling or AI applications.
• Experience with advanced machine learning architectures, such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) etc., for physics-based modeling.
• Prior exposure to AI-driven simulation frameworks such as PhysicsAI, SimAI, or equivalent platforms.
• Background in reduced-order modeling (ROM), surrogate modeling, or Bayesian calibration, with experience in integrating these approaches into simulation workflows.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAE automation and data pipelines for simulation-driven design and optimization.
• Proven ability to translate research concepts into practical, deployable solutions in engineering or simulation contexts.
• Strong record of technical contributions, such as peer-reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations.

For this role, we anticipate paying $90,000 - $120,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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