Design Engineer IV - Simulation

Mueller Co.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 94,067 - 129,329; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k plan with 5% Company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement program

Job summary

Mueller Co. in Decatur, Illinois is seeking a Design Engineer IV – Simulation to serve as a senior technical lead in performing advanced FEA and CFD analyses for mechanical designs. The role requires expertise in engineering judgment, and a proactive contribution to safety-critical applications.

With a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits, this position offers a chance to work on impactful projects that ensure clean water distribution. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Typically 10+ years of experience performing high-complexity FEA and CFD.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and approving simulation work.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex FEA and CFD analyses evaluating mechanical components.
• Define simulation strategies and modeling approaches for high-risk cases.
• Lead technical discussions and influence design decisions.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Technical leadership skills

Expert-level engineering judgement

Excellent design skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree (MS or PhD)

Tools

ANSYS Mechanical

ANSYS Fluent/CFX

SolidWorks Simulation

SolidWorks Flow Simulation

Abaqus

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Design Engineer IV – Simulation

Mueller Water Products is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries and has an immediate opening for a Design Engineer IV – Simulation. For over 160 years, MWP's manufacturing commitment has ensured one of the world's most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily. Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being.

As a Design Engineer IV – Simulation, you will serve as a senior technical lead in mechanical simulation (Individual Contributor – Technical Lead), responsible for performing and reviewing advanced FEA and CFD analyses in support of static and dynamic mechanical designs used in heavily regulated industrial applications. You will define simulation approaches, review and approve analysis work, and support high-impact or regulated design decisions across Mueller's product lines.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex FEA and CFD analyses evaluating mechanical components and assemblies subjected to static/dynamic loading, thermal and thermo‑mechanical effects, pressure, flow, and fluid–structure interaction.
• Apply advanced modeling techniques including nonlinear material behavior, contact, large deformation, plasticity, modal/harmonic/transient dynamic analysis, buckling/stability evaluation, fatigue/life prediction, and conjugate heat transfer/turbulence modeling.
• Serve as a technical reviewer and approver of simulation work performed by other engineers.
• Define simulation strategy, assumptions, modeling approach, and level of fidelity for new or high‑risk cases at the program or system level.
• Establish and reinforce best practices for modeling assumptions, meshing strategies, boundary conditions, and result interpretation.
• Ensure simulation work is defensible, repeatable, and suitable for use in regulated environments.
• Produce formal engineering analysis reports suitable for internal approval, customer review, and regulatory use.
• Lead technical discussions and influence cross‑functional decisions with design, manufacturing, and project leadership.
• Own and evaluate risk acceptance and mitigation strategies for safety‑critical applications.
• Act as technical lead and mentor, guiding simulation work of other engineers.
• Contribute to design margin justification and risk assessment for safety‑critical applications.
• Support technical discussions with customers and auditors as a subject matter expert.

Required Skills

• Strong communication, presentation, and technical leadership skills.
• Expert‑level engineering judgement on model validity, assumptions, and risk.
• Excellent design, technical, and analytical skills.

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
• Typically 10+ years of progressive experience performing high‑complexity FEA and CFD in industrial or regulated environments.
• Expert‑level proficiency across multiple simulation platforms: ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Fluent/CFX, SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Abaqus, or COMSOL (breadth across multiple platforms is strongly valued).
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and approving simulation work performed by others.
• Experience working in a team‑oriented, collaborative environment.
• Working knowledge of testing methodologies and testing processes.
• GD&T knowledge.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or related field – commonly associated with peer roles at this level.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for post‑processing, validation, or workflow efficiency.
• Working knowledge of iron casting, machining, rubber, and manufacturing processes.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt.
• PMP certification.
• FE/EIT or PE certification.
• Knowledge of problem‑solving methodologies.

Salary/Pay Range

$94,067 - $129,329 USD

Other Compensation & Benefits

Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short‑term and long‑term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well‑being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company‑provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department.

Notice of E‑Verify Participation

This employer participates in E‑Verify. E‑Verify is a web‑based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.

Accommodation

If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to meet your needs.