Principal Engineer I, Modeling & Simulation Engineering

Alcon MX; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon is seeking a Principal Engineering I to lead Modeling & Simulation efforts, including multiphysics simulations (FEA/CFD) and AI/ML integration, for medical device programs in Illinois. The role requires collaboration with R&D and cross-functional teams to shape objectives, plans, and capabilities.

You will drive external partnerships, manage budgets and schedules, and mentor teams while ensuring timely, compliant deliveries aligned with Alcon’s patient-focused goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience in engineering.
• MS in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering is preferred.
• Demonstrated 8+ years of multiphysics simulation experience in medical device applications.
• 2+ years of AI/ML applied to simulations and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME in Computational Modeling & Simulation (FEA, CFD) and leverage AI/ML to advance simulation-driven engineering.
• Assess model credibility and establish verification and validation methodologies.
• Partner with R&D leaders to define objectives, develop work plans, and build modeling capabilities.
• Manage external partnerships and oversee project plans, budgets, risk assessments, and milestones.
• Provide technical leadership and drive digital twin workstreams to successful completion.

Skills

Multiphysics simulation

AI/ML with simulations

Project leadership

English communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent in related field

MS in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Siemens (NX/Simcenter)

Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact on the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us? We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon.

Alcon is looking to hire a Principal Engineering I, Modeling & Simulation Engineering team.

In this role, a typical day will include: Serve as a subject matter expert in Computational Modeling & Simulation (FEA, CFD) and leverage AI/ML methods to advance simulation-driven engineering and innovation. Assess model credibility and establish robust verification and validation methodologies to ensure scientific and technical accuracy. Partner with R&D leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders to define objectives, develop work plans, and build modeling/simulation capabilities that support strategic business and product goals. Establish and manage external partnerships, including academic, industry, and vendor resources, while overseeing project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and milestone execution. Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal and external teams, driving digital twin workstreams through successful completion. Ensure projects meet timelines, quality standards, accuracy requirements, and delivery expectations. Gather and document requirements, manage vendor activities, and review deliverables to ensure alignment with project objectives. Build strong relationships and influence technical leaders, simulation analysts, and external partners to drive effective decision‑making and collaboration. Lead innovative problem‑solving efforts for complex technical challenges while maintaining a customer‑focused approach and championing Alcon values. Collaborate with and influence project leaders to advance simulation-driven product development, with accountability for outcomes and business impact.

What You Will Bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Other Qualifications: Mechanical/Biomedical (M.S.+8 yrs;)
• Demonstrated 8 years of expertise in Multiphysics Simulation methods and applications to medical devices and therapies.
• 2+ years of experience using AI/ML with simulations
• 3 Years of demonstrated project leadership and management experience
• Experience in biological tissue modeling.
• Advanced knowledge of ocular physiology is a plus
• Demonstrated expertise in use of various M&S tools from providers such as Ansys, Siemens to healthcare applications

How You Can Thrive at Alcon:

See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career! Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more! See your impact at: alcon.com/careers

Compensation

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.

Pay Range $130,900.00 - $169,400.00 Pay Frequency Annual

Benefits & Equal Opportunity

Alcon's Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long-term value.

Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short-term and long-term incentive opportunities for eligible roles.

Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more!

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.

Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

At Alcon, we are committed to helping people see better. We believe patients should have access to quality eye care regardless of their economic circumstances; however, barriers to good eye health exist for patients in both developed and emerging markets. Alcon develops and manufactures innovative devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs. Its surgical group is one of the largest makers of equipment used for cataract removal and laser vision correction. Its consumer products include the well-known Opti-Free line of contact lens solutions and related products. Alcon, which was founded in 1945, sells its products in 180 countries worldwide.