Simulation Engineer

Colonial Group; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Voltava seeks a Simulation Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing and assembly systems using process simulation, plant layout, and data-driven analysis. This role supports new program launches by evaluating processes, equipment, labor, material flow, capacity, and investment requirements before implementation.

You'll collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, PC&L, Quality, customers, and suppliers to improve efficiency, throughput, OEE, cost, and manufacturability while

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing and/or assembly.
• 2+ years of manufacturing simulation experience, preferably in automotive or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of assembly processes, sequencing, sub-assembly, material flow, tooling, and plant operations.
• Experience developing plant layouts, process simulations, and manufacturing concepts for new programs and equipment installations.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing layouts, process simulations, and digital models for new programs and equipment installations.
• Simulate assembly processes to evaluate capacity, labor, cycle time, material flow, equipment utilization, and OEE.
• Analyze manufacturing concepts and recommend process, equipment, tooling, and automation solutions.
• Evaluate equipment and technology investments based on production requirements, cost, and expected performance.
• Identify and resolve issues related to product design, manufacturability, quality, process flow, and assembly.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, PC&L, Quality, customers, and suppliers to develop optimized manufacturing systems.
• Support the selection and implementation of automation, robotics, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Use simulation and data analysis to identify opportunities for cost reduction, improved throughput, and increased efficiency.
• Support new program launches, process development, equipment installation, and production readiness activities.
• Apply lessons learned and best practices to improve future manufacturing processes and layouts.
• Prepare presentations, technical analyses, and recommendations for plant and customer leadership.
• Promote safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing solutions through all phases of development and launch.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Simulation experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

SIMULATION ENGINEER

About Voltava:

At Voltava, people power everything we do. We are a premier global manufacturing and assembly partner formed through the combination of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Android Industries, and Avancez with approximately 5,400 Team Members across 21 facilities worldwide. Our vibrant, collaborative, and people-focused culture is the foundation for everything we deliver, from complex module assembly and sequencing to contract manufacturing, supply chain, automation, and tooling and equipment design for OEM customers across the automotive, industrial, e-mobility, heavy truck, defense, and technology sectors. Kinetyc, our scalable contract manufacturing arm based in Wixom, Michigan, expands our capabilities and capacity to support customers across a range of industries. Together, we are Building A Better Everything.

About the Role:

The Simulation Engineer uses process simulation, plant layout, and data-driven analysis to design and optimize manufacturing and assembly systems. This role supports new program launches by evaluating processes, equipment, labor, material flow, capacity, and investment requirements before implementation.

You’ll partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, PC&L, Quality, customers, and suppliers to improve efficiency, throughput, OEE, cost, and manufacturability while supporting the introduction of new automation and robotics technologies.

What You Will Do:

• Develop manufacturing layouts, process simulations, and digital models for new programs and equipment installations.


• Simulate assembly processes to evaluate capacity, labor, cycle time, material flow, equipment utilization, and OEE.


• Analyze manufacturing concepts and recommend process, equipment, tooling, and automation solutions.


• Evaluate equipment and technology investments based on production requirements, cost, and expected performance.


• Identify and resolve issues related to product design, manufacturability, quality, process flow, and assembly.


• Partner with Engineering, Operations, PC&L, Quality, customers, and suppliers to develop optimized manufacturing systems.


• Support the selection and implementation of automation, robotics, and emerging manufacturing technologies.


• Use simulation and data analysis to identify opportunities for cost reduction, improved throughput, and increased efficiency.


• Support new program launches, process development, equipment installation, and production readiness activities.


• Apply lessons learned and best practices to improve future manufacturing processes and layouts.


• Prepare presentations, technical analyses, and recommendations for plant and customer leadership.


• Promote safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing solutions through all phases of development and launch.

What You Need to Be Successful:

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing and/or assembly.


• 2+ years of manufacturing simulation experience, preferably in automotive or industrial manufacturing.


• Strong understanding of assembly processes, sequencing, sub-assembly, material flow, tooling, and plant operations.


• Experience developing plant layouts, process simulations, and manufacturing concepts for new programs and equipment installations.


• Strong knowledge of tooling, equipment, automation, robotics, and cost-reduction strategies.


• Experience evaluating manufacturing processes, equipment selection, capacity, labor requirements, and investment.


• Working knowledge of GD&T, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, and Control Plans.


• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.


• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and project management skills.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Operations, PC&L, Quality, customers, and leadership.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience with Siemens Plant Simulation, Process Simulation, or Line Designer.


• Experience with automation and robotics integration.


• Experience creating 3D plant layouts, simulation models, or equipment libraries.


• Experience optimizing material flow, capacity, labor, and target OEE.


• Programming or scripting experience, including C/C++ or other simulation-related languages.


• Experience working directly with customers to define production requirements, rates, and assembly processes.


• Manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.

Travel:

• Minimal travel required.

What We Offer:

We believe our team members are our greatest investment, which is why we offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support you at every stage of your career and life. Our benefits may include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings programs with employer contributions, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and holidays, employee assistance resources, and additional wellness programs and benefits designed to support your health, financial well‑being, professional growth, and overall quality of life.

Our Core Values:

Voltava is committed to creating an environment where every Team Member feels welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered to make an impact.

• Respect:We create belonging by bringing out the best in each other.


• Integrity:We earn trust through every interaction.


• Courage: We show up fully even when it would be easier not to.


• Impact: We strengthen the people and places around us.

Together, we are Building A Better Everything.

Voltava is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

At Voltava, employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens our ability to innovate, serve our customers, and achieve our goals.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Voltava is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment. If you require assistance or an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests for accommodation will be reviewed and considered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.