Principal Design and Simulation Engineer

Re:Build Manufacturing • Rochester, NY

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Re:Build Optimation is seeking an experienced Principal Design and Simulation Engineer to lead structural, thermal, and fluid simulation efforts for industrial machinery and equipment. The role applies Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to solve engineering challenges, improve equipment performance, validate designs, and support reliable manufacturing solutions.

The engineer collaborates with mechanical design engineers, project teams, and customers to translate simulation results into practical design improvements and informed engineering decisions. The role includes technical leadership, mentoring, developing simulation standards and validation practices, and contributing to industrial machine design projects from early concept through commissioning.

The position is based on-site in Rochester and/or Rush, New York, with travel as needed, typically less than 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• 10–15 years of relevant experience in industrial machinery, manufacturing, or capital equipment engineering, including significant FEA/CFD experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, including Simulation/FEA and Flow Simulation, with experience using Ansys and Ansys Fluent.
• Strong understanding of simulation techniques, including meshing, boundary conditions, material properties, convergence, and validation.
• Ability to collaborate with mechanical design engineers to prepare simulation-ready CAD models and improve designs.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, fabrication methods, and industry codes such as ASME, API, and NFPA.
• Experience defining technical requirements, estimating engineering costs, and supporting project delivery.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with an interest in mentoring and developing others.
• Commitment to safe engineering practices and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work on-site in Rochester and/or Rush, NY, with travel as needed (typically less than 25%).

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with automated machinery, robotics, precision motion systems, web handling, piping, pressure vessels, or related mechanical systems.
• Experience validating simulation results through physical testing.
• Knowledge of fatigue analysis, vibration analysis, topology optimization, or thermal-fluid analysis.
• Familiarity with advanced SolidWorks tools, AutoCAD, Creo/ProE, or similar software.
• Experience with ISO 9001, Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural, thermal, and fluid simulations (FEA/CFD) for industrial machinery and equipment projects.
• Perform and validate simulations using SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Ansys, and Ansys Fluent.
• Partner with mechanical design engineers to define simulation requirements, boundary conditions, meshing strategies, and CAD model preparation.
• Evaluate mechanical systems, including structural weldments, piping, pressure vessels, rotating equipment, and automated machinery.
• Translate simulation results into practical recommendations that improve equipment safety, reliability, and performance.
• Develop simulation standards, validation methods, and best practices to improve analysis accuracy and consistency.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, simulation reports, and technical documentation.
• Mentor engineers, share technical knowledge, and guide project teams in applying simulation insights to design decisions.
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to develop solutions, communicate findings, and support project execution.
• Contribute to project estimates, proposals, technical reviews, field assessments, and commissioning activities.
• Support compliance with applicable engineering codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Other benefits as part of a comprehensive benefits package.
• The role may be eligible for annual incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives, subject to Company plans.
• Employees share ownership in the company and share in the financial rewards of its success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior