Electronic Simulation Consultant

Working Schedule
Simulation Consultants typically work full-time, with occasional overtime during critical project phases. The role may require travel for client meetings, presentations, or collaborative projects.

Typical Duties

• Provide consultation services on simulation techniques and best practices
• Review business operation challenges and offer insights
• Communicate with clients and team members to understand project requirements
• Develop or adapt simulation software such as models for electronic 
  systems and components and predictive models for system behavior forecasting  
• Conduct virtual testing to evaluate system performance under different scenarios
• Integrate live data into simulations for real-time scenario analysis
• Perform sensitivity analyses to assess system responses to changes
• Conduct “bottleneck analyses” to identify system constraints
• Analyze root causes for risks; create risk mitigation models
• Analyze simulation results; identify potential improvements or problems
• Use simulation data for proactive system design adjustments
• Assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving in electronic system development
• Collaborate with engineers and designers to refine designs
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams to integrate simulations with overall system designs

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide simulation-based decision-making support
• Assist businesses with optimizing resources
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of simulation results
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on simulation outcomes and recommendations
• Keep abreast of advancements in simulation technology and software

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical thinking
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Detail-oriented
• Independent
• Innovative
• Interpersonal skills
• Observant
• Patience
• Methodical
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Strong communication skills

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in simulation software and tools
• Strong understanding of electronic systems and components
• Knowledge of computational methods and numerical analysis
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation of simulation results
• Familiarity with programming languages used in simulation (e.g., C++, MATLAB, Python, and Java)
• Understanding of engineering principles and practices
• 2D/3D discrete-event simulation programs (Automod, Simul8, MiniTab, Tableau, PowerBI)
• Finite element analysis programs (ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus, Hypermesh)
• Experience with Unix/Linux OS
• Math model development and real-time software applications

• Aerospace and automotive companies
• Electronic component manufacturers
• Engineering consulting firms
• Healthcare technology companies
• Research and development laboratories
• Software development companies specializing in simulation tools
• Universities and educational institutions

Simulation Consultants are vital in bridging the gap between theoretical designs and practical applications. In fact, their work can save clients millions of dollars by helping them avoid costly design errors. They also help to optimize processes, improve product quality, reduce the need for physical prototypes, and shorten the time it takes for a product to become available for purchase.

Simulation Consultants may face tight deadlines and pressure to deliver reliable, accurate results. Workers in this field sometimes face challenges in explaining complex simulation concepts to non-specialist audiences. As a result, they must be excellent communicators who can speak and present in layman's terms.

The job requires a good deal of continuous learning to keep up with advancements in simulation technology and methods, and that time spent learning isn’t always paid. 

AI and machine learning are increasingly used for simulations, enabling the development of more sophisticated, realistic models. In addition, the integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies is allowing users to interface in exciting new ways.

Another trend is a new twist on an older concept—the executable digital twin (or xDT), which places a digital twin on a chip and then “uses data from a small number of sensors embedded in the physical product to perform real-time simulations using reduced-order models.”

Additional trends include model-based systems engineering, additive manufacturing, generative design, and optimized digital materials…all of which you can read more about here! 

In their youth, Simulation Consultants were likely drawn to computer and video games emphasizing strategy and problem-solving. They might have enjoyed building models or electronic kits and were interested in computer programming, as well as science and technology in general.