1

Simulation Engineer Intern Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

K12 Zone Engineering Intern

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

K12 Zone Engineering Intern The K12 Zone Engineering Intern supports the design and development of ... Experience building interactive applications, games, simulations, virtual experiences, or web-based ...

Software Development Intern

Woodbury, MN · On-site +1

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

... quantitative developers to translate prototypes into production-ready software Implement our ... simulations that the Quantitative Team has developed Communicate solutions effectively via ...

Simulation Engineer Intern information

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

To thrive as a Simulation Engineer Intern, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, often supported by current enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, or ANSYS, along with basic programming skills in languages like Python or C++, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and collaboration skills are essential soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately modeling complex systems, analyzing results, and contributing effectively to engineering teams.

What types of projects and tasks can a Simulation Engineer Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Simulation Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that involve creating, running, and analyzing simulations to support product development or research. Typical tasks may include building simulation models using specialized software, validating simulation results against real-world data, and preparing reports for engineering teams. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, such as design or testing, to ensure simulations align with project goals. This hands-on experience not only sharpens your technical skills but also provides valuable insights into the collaborative nature of engineering projects and the role of simulation in the product lifecycle.

What does a Simulation Engineer Intern do?

A Simulation Engineer Intern assists in creating and running computer-based models to predict how systems or products will perform in real-world scenarios. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers, helping to analyze data, optimize designs, and solve engineering problems through simulations. This role often involves using specialized software such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or Simulink, and requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Simulation Engineer Interns gain valuable experience in applying theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges.

What is the difference between Simulation Engineer Intern vs Simulation Engineer?

AspectSimulation Engineer InternSimulation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a bachelor's or master's in engineering, computer science, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher degree in engineering, computer science, or related disciplines; often with some professional experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or summer roles within engineering teamsFull-time professional role within engineering or R&D teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies in automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing sectors for training and developmentUsed in similar industries for product development, testing, and simulation tasks

The main difference between a Simulation Engineer Intern and a Simulation Engineer is experience level and responsibility. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Simulation Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing and analyzing simulations to support product development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Simulation Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Simulation Engineer Intern job openings:
Graduate Engineering Intern - Building Controls Modeling & Simulation

Graduate Engineering Intern - Building Controls Modeling & Simulation

Daikin Applied

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025!
Graduate Engineering Intern - Building Controls Modeling & Simulation - Plymouth, MN - Hybrid
Make your mark at the world's largest HVAC company
Daikin Applied is seeking a highly motivated graduate engineering student for a full-time, 10 month engagement as a Graduate Engineering Intern (Building Controls Modeling & Simulation). This position will support the development of a generic, parameterizable building energy and controls model using Modelica / Dymola, with integration into FMU-based workflows and MATLAB/Simulink environments.
This effort will serve as a proof of concept (PoC) demonstrating that physics-based building models can be used to evaluate transient behavior, robustness, and performance of building automation and control strategies in greater than real time Model in the Loop (MiL) simulations.
The longer-term vision is to evolve this capability into a scalable engineering and decision support tool, potentially leveraging AI and machine learning, to help applications and sales engineers size, tune, and compare optimal building control solutions across a wide range of building types and operating conditions.
Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!
Location: Plymouth, MN - Hybrid
Timeline: This Internship opportunity will start approximately May-June 2026 (flexible to align with academic schedules) and has an end date of December 2026
What you will do:
  • Develop a generic, modular, and parameterizable building model in Modelica/Dymola suitable for multiple building archetypes and HVAC/control configurations.
  • Leverage and extend existing Modelica building libraries (e.g., Berkeley National Laboratory / Modelica Buildings Library) where appropriate.
  • Implement and evaluate building automation and control strategies within a dynamic simulation framework.
  • Export and integrate models as FMUs (Functional Mock-up Units) for use in MATLAB/Simulink MiL simulations.
  • Demonstrate transient system behavior, control robustness, and performance under disturbances, parameter variation, and uncertainty.
  • Optimize model structure and solver settings to enable faster-than-real-time simulation performance.
  • Collaborate with engineering stakeholders to define modeling scope, use cases, and success criteria for the PoC.
  • Clearly document model architecture, assumptions, limitations, and validation results.
  • Explore opportunities to incorporate AI/ML techniques (e.g., surrogate modeling, optimization, or design-space exploration) to enhance scalability and usability.

What's in it for you:
  • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
  • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled M.S. or Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Academic or research focus in building automation, building energy modeling, HVAC systems, or advanced control methods.
  • Experience with Modelica and Dymola, or equivalent equation-based physical modeling tools.
  • Strong foundation in dynamic systems, control theory, and numerical simulation.
  • Experience using MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, or control development.
  • Proficiency in technical programming or scripting (MATLAB, Python, or similar).
  • Ability to work independently on an applied, deliverables-driven project and communicate results clearly.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with the Berkeley National Laboratory Modelica Buildings Modeling Library.
  • Experience with the FMI/FMU standard and multi-tool simulation workflows.
  • Knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) architectures and control strategies.
  • Exposure to MiL, SiL, real-time, or accelerated simulation workflows.
  • Coursework or experience in optimization, reduced-order modeling, or machine learning.
  • Interest in applying AI/ML methods to physics-based engineering models and decision-support tools.

Benefits:
  • Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
  • Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance
  • 401K retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid time off and company paid holidays
  • Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law
  • Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

The typical hourly rate for this position ranges from $30.00/ hr. to $33.00 / hr. in Minnesota. The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade which this position falls. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
#LI-DF1
If you're looking for an engaging career with growth opportunities in a supportive environment, you'll love a career at Daikin Applied!