Contingent 1D Simulation Engineer

Honda South Carolina Manufacturing; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Honda in Santa Clarita, CA is seeking a propulsion simulation engineer to develop and maintain 1D engine models using GT Power and related tools.

You will correlate models with test data, perform DOE studies, and translate 3D CFD insights into 1D representations for design decision support.

Join a cross‑functional team focused on delivering performance, drivability, and efficiency while working in a collaborative engineering culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of propulsion simulation, virtual engineering, or engine performance analysis.
• Strong understanding of combustion engines, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience building, correlating, and evaluating 1D models for hardware development or vehicle performance.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Python for data post processing and reporting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 1D engine and propulsion models in GT Power including intake/exhaust systems.
• Correlate models to test data (dyno/rig/vehicle) for torque, power, air mass, BSFC, temps, pressures.
• Simulate full load and part load maps to support performance, drivability, and thermal assessments.
• Conduct DOE and optimization studies within GT Suite to explore design/calibration spaces.
• Translate 3D CFD/test insights into 1D model representations and discretization.
• Improve standard methods and templates for GT Power model setup and analyses.
• Process large model and lab data sets into standardized formats for post processing and reporting.
• Provide design/calibration recommendations based on model results and sensitivity analysis.
• Communicate results and trade-offs through reports and design reviews with cross-functional teams.

Skills

GT Power

1D CFD tools

Python scripting

Data analysis

Communication skills

Analytical ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Automotive/Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD (preferred)

Tools

GT Power / GT SUITE

WAVE

STAR-CCM+ / CONVERGE

Job description

What Makes a Honda, Is Who Makes a Honda

Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future‑focused goals.

At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”

We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.

If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!

Job Purpose

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 1D engine and propulsion models in GT Power including complete intake and exhaust systems.


• Correlate models to test data (dyno/rig/vehicle) for torque, power, air mass, BSFC, temperatures, and pressures; document correlation quality and underlying assumptions.


• Simulate full load and part load operating maps, including steady state sweeps and transient maneuvers, to support performance, drivability, and thermal assessments.


• Perform DOE and optimization studies within GT Suite to explore design and calibration spaces (valve events, boost, turbo sizing, combustion and heat rejection levers, etc.).


• Translate 3D CFD and test insights into 1D model representations, including proper discretization of manifolds, ports, and system components, and appropriate use of loss and heat transfer models.


• Develop and improve standard methods and templates for GT Power model setup, correlation, FRM conversion, and coupled analyses (e.g., GT Power/Converge procedures).


• Process and structure large model and lab data sets into standardized formats for efficient post processing, visualization, and reporting.


• Provide design and calibration recommendations at component and system level (ie. induction, boosting, exhaust, valvetrain interfaces) based on model results and sensitivity analysis.


• Communicate results and trade offs through clear technical reports, presentations, and design reviews with hardware testing, mechanical simulation, calibration, and vehicle integration teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field


• 3+ years of experience in propulsion simulation, virtual engineering, or engine performance analysis, with a primary focus on GT SUITE / GT Power or similar 1D CFD tools (e.g., WAVE).


• Strong fundamental understanding of combustion engines, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, including how these are represented in 1D models.


• Demonstrated experience building, correlating, and evaluating 1D models used for hardware development, calibration, or vehicle performance prediction.


• Experience with engine dynamometer testing and data analysis


• Proficiency with data analysis and scripting tools (e.g. Python) for post processing, automation, and reporting.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex modeling results to diverse technical and leadership audiences.


• High level of analytical ability, attention to detail, and comfort with ambiguity, especially when defining assumptions and interpreting results for new architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical, Automotive, or closely related field with emphasis on IC engines, thermodynamics, or fluid mechanics.


• 5+ years of experience with GT Power or similar 1D engine simulation tools, including advanced features (FRM, optimization, coupled models).


• Experience with engine calibration, controls, and model based calibration techniques


• Background in engine testing and development, including correlation of simulation to dyno and/or vehicle data for performance and drivability metrics.


• Familiarity with coupled 1D–3D CFD analyses (e.g., GT Power with STAR CCM+ or CONVERGE) for manifolds / ports.


• Experience establishing and maintaining standard work, templates, and training material for 1D simulation methods within a broader engineering community.


• High level of interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross functional, global teams (hardware, mechanical simulation, testing, calibration, thermal, vehicle integration).

Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.