Applications Engineer - Simulation

Invio Automation, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Invio Automation, Inc. is seeking a resilient Simulation Applications Engineer to develop 2D/3D models, support costing, and optimize automation designs.

You will work with clients across industries, collaborating with sales, engineering, and project teams to turn concepts into feasible, cost-effective automation solutions. The role involves on-site and remote collaboration within the United States, with up to 50% travel to customer facilities for workshops and disclosures.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in automation, simulation engineering, or cost estimating.
• Proficiency with FlexSim or Visual Components for modeling.
• Strong understanding of mechanical automation systems and production processes.
• Proficiency in reading mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Experience with costing software and Excel models or ERP/PLM tools.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop 2D/3D simulation models to assess performance, cycle times, throughput, and layouts.
• Assist estimators with inputs for detailed costing of automation systems.
• Analyze RFQs, concepts, and drawings to extract estimating inputs.
• Collaborate with sales and proposal teams to present accurate proposals.
• Refine simulation templates for standardization and efficiency.
• Contribute to Invio design libraries within Visual Components.
• Participate in design reviews and customer presentations as needed.
• Travel to customer facilities for workshops (up to 50% travel).

Skills

Simulation engineering

Cost estimation

Reading drawings

Automation systems

Excel modeling

Communication

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Industrial/Automation

Tools

FlexSim

Visual Components

ERP/PLM quoting tools

Job description

THE COMPANY

Invio Automation is a leader in Industry 4.0, delivering high-value automation solutions that help customers accelerate growth in specialized markets such as medical devices, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. With deep domain expertise and extensive engineering capabilities, Invio partners with clients from early-stage product design and R&D through to full-scale automation. Customers value Invio's commitment to precision, quality, efficiency, and safety, and rely on its innovative, scalable solutions to support long-term growth. Headquartered in Michigan, Invio Automation is supported by a vast design library, a growing North American presence with global reach, and a team of over 600 experienced professionals across the Midwest and northeast.

Invio operates through two integrated segments:

• The Solutions Segment delivers engineered systems for precision manufacturing, including robotic cells, multi-station assembly lines, and other automation solutions.
• The Technologies Segment focuses on advanced autonomous systems and ergonomic tooling, including heavyweight Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), turnkey assembly solutions, and custom lift-assist tools for safety-critical applications.

Together, these segments enable Invio to deliver tailored automation solutions that improve performance and achieve high efficiency across the production lifecycle.

Visit https://invioautomation.com/ for more information.

DESCRIPTION

Our Factory of the Future Consulting team partners with manufacturers to develop automation strategies and identify opportunities for transformational improvement. We serve clients from Fortune 500 companies to privately held manufacturers across industries including Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Mobility, Agriculture, Construction, Aerospace, and Industrial Products.

Through on-site workshops and focused assessments, we identify and develop automation opportunities spanning Invio’s wider solution offering; AGVs, robotics, tooling, and other advanced manufacturing technologies. Our consultants collaborate closely with Invio’s design, engineering, estimating, and subject-matter experts to turn these opportunity concepts into practical, high-impact solutions.

As a Simulation Applications Engineer on the Factory of the Future Consulting team, you will play a key role in the front-end development of automation projects. This position will utilize technical simulation modeling to help our Factory of the Future team evaluate project feasibility, optimizing system designs, and supporting the overall consulting delivery or sales and proposal process. You will work cross-functionally with other Applications and Design Engineers, Sales, and Project Managers to ensure accurate, efficient, and competitive automation solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop 2D and 3D simulation models (FlexSim or Visual Components) to assess system performance, cycle times, throughput, and layout feasibility.
• Support Estimators in preparing or identifying inputs required for detailed costing activities for automation systems, including mechanical, controls, installation, materials, subcontracting, and labor.
• Analyze customer RFQs, concepts, and drawings to extract key estimating and simulation inputs.
• Collaborate with sales and proposal teams to develop and present compelling and accurate proposals.
• Refine concept models and simulation templates for standardization and efficiency.
• Support building and bolstering the internal Invio design libraries within Visual Components.
• Participate in design reviews, concept development, and customer presentations as needed.
• Travel to customer facilities for consulting workshop activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in automation, simulation engineering, or cost estimating.
• Proficiency in simulation tools (FlexSim or Visual Components).
• Strong understanding of mechanical automation systems, robotics, and production processes.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Experience using costing software, Excel models, or ERP/PLM quoting tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and accuracy.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint) or related software
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s ERP and Salesforce system
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into Invio’s sales initiatives
• Willingness to travel within North America, up to 50% of the time
• Position is listed as Remote in the United States, preferably within proximity to a major airport. Opportunity for in-person at any Invio facility location (MI, IA, NH, NY).

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees in business or engineering are a plus.

INVIO AUTOMATION'S CORE VALUES

• We take pride in the reliability of our team and the difficult problems we solve for customers.
• We deliver real customer value that positively impacts the lives of those around us.
• We are dependable. Relationships and trust matter.
• Our ingenuity and desire to improve lives will complement our suite of solutions.
• We strive to demonstrate that our attention to detail does not start or end with the solutions we engineer and deliver.
• We believe exceptional service is better demonstrated than said.