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Simulation Engineer Automotive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZF

System Simulation Engineer

Livonia, MI · Hybrid

... automotive Steering, Braking, Suspension and Chassis Components. Continued growth in our Livonia ... What you can look forward to as a System Simulation Engineer: * Primary support engineer for HIL ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... automobiles, robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle ...

Quest Global

Simulation Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

$75K - $90K/yr

... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ... We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the ...

ZF Group

System Simulation Engineer

Livonia, MI · On-site

... automotive Steering, Braking, Suspension and Chassis Components. Continued growth in our Livonia ... What you can look forward to as a System Simulation Engineer: * Primary support engineer for HIL ...

Belcan

Senior Software Simulation Engineer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$52 - $54/hr

Required qualifications * 3+ years experience in automotive manufacturing engineering (e.g., body, paint, GA, battery, drive unit, or material flow) with direct ownership of discrete event simulation ...

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Simulation Engineer Automotive information

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$39K

$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do simulation engineer automotive jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation engineer automotive 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 does a simulation engineer do in the automotive industry?

A Simulation Engineer in the automotive industry is responsible for creating and running computer models to predict how vehicles and their components will perform under various conditions. They use specialized software to simulate aspects like crash safety, aerodynamics, thermal management, and structural integrity. This helps manufacturers identify potential issues and optimize designs before building physical prototypes, saving time and costs. Simulation Engineers work closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams to ensure vehicles meet safety and performance standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a simulation engineer in the automotive industry?

To thrive as a Simulation Engineer in automotive, you need a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, physics, and experience with computational modeling. Expertise with simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or CarMaker, along with knowledge of CAD systems and possibly certifications in relevant tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you interpret results and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate modeling of vehicle systems, leading to improved design, safety, and performance in automotive development.

What are some common challenges simulation engineers in the automotive industry face when working on vehicle modeling projects?

Simulation Engineers in the automotive sector often encounter challenges such as balancing simulation accuracy with computational efficiency, integrating data from various sources (like CAD models and physical test results), and ensuring models are up-to-date with the latest design changes. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including designers, test engineers, and software developers—can require strong communication skills to ensure simulation results are understood and actionable. Staying current with evolving simulation tools and automotive technologies is also essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Simulation Engineer Automotive vs Vehicle Dynamics Engineer?

AspectSimulation Engineer AutomotiveVehicle Dynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; experience with simulation toolsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering; focus on vehicle behavior analysis
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, testing facilitiesVehicle testing tracks, labs, design offices
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, simulation software companiesAutomotive OEMs, racing teams, vehicle testing firms
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Simulation Engineer Automotive focuses on developing and running simulations to optimize vehicle systems, while the Vehicle Dynamics Engineer analyzes and improves vehicle handling and stability. Both roles require engineering backgrounds and often collaborate, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application within the automotive industry.

System Simulation Engineer

ZF

Livonia, MI • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

ZF rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

 Req ID 86384 | Livonia Tech I, United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.

Job Description

About the team:
We are looking for a new colleague in our Vehicle Development team at our location in Livonia, MI! The Chassis Solutions Division of ZF North America offers application specific solutions for a variety of different automotive Steering, Braking, Suspension and Chassis Components. Continued growth in our Livonia, MI office has created an opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team!

What you can look forward to as a System Simulation Engineer:

  • Primary support engineer for HIL and SIL modeling responsibilities, relating to all aspects of vehicle systems: vehicle, tire, drive train, suspension, etc.
  • Primary support engineer for CAN/CANFD I/O setup and implementation for HIL vehicle systems.
  • Daily support for the running of hardware in the loop (HIL) simulators built for testing state-of-the-art ZF Brake Control systems including hydraulic lines, electrical harness, brake hardware, electrohydraulic control unit, brake pedal, MC and booster, and simulation computer(s).
  • Running of the HIL systems and help with automation scripting, data acquisition, data analysis and reporting.
  • Learning about advanced vehicle control systems.
  • Collaborate with various vehicle manufacturers to define and execute development and testing schemes that reduce overall program timing and costs related to the release of new vehicle programs and chassis control system architectures.

Your profile as a System Simulation Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physics, higher degree preferred
  • Knowledge of 3D lumped mass models
  • Good knowledge of vehicle dynamics is required (modeling, not driving).
  • Previous experience with vehicle simulation, either desktop or real-time, is desired but not required.
  • Experience in Matlab and Simulink or similar analysis package(s) strongly desired.
  • Experience with C coding preferred but not required.
  • A desire to always be learning and implementing new things every year as vehicles and control systems continuously change.
  • Must be able to interact with many people and groups both inside and outside ZF

Why you should choose ZF in Livonia, MI?

  • A supportive collaborative team environment
  • Annual Incentive Plan
  • Paid Vacation
  • Personal Time
  • 401k Plan
  • Health Care Benefits
  • Paid Holidays (13 fixed holidays)
  • A Hybrid Work Schedule (2 days remote/3 days onsite)
  • Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities
     

Join a fast moving, fast learning, cross functional agile development team and apply now!

Be part of our ZF team as System Simulation Engineer and apply now!

Contact

Bethany Vijayakumar

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

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