Simulation Supervisor

KUKA; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KUKA in Sterling Heights, MI seeks a Simulation Supervisor to evaluate robotic applications, develop and validate manufacturing processes, and ensure cycle-time performance while meeting customer requirements.

The role coordinates all simulation activities across projects, mentors Simulation Leaders and Operators, and ensures CAD/doc integrity, safety compliance, and ongoing process improvements through cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2–4 years related experience in simulation or manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.
• Knowledge of CAD file management and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, direction, and technical support to Simulation Leaders and Simulation Operators across all simulation projects.
• Review progress reports with Simulation Leaders prior to discussions with the Simulation Manager.
• Coordinate simulation process reviews to ensure alignment, accuracy, and timely execution.
• Collaborate with the Simulation Manager on manpower planning, resource allocation, and workload balancing.
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of CAD files and job-related documents throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop, implement, and maintain simulation standards, ensuring consistency across all projects.
• Actively support continuous improvement initiatives, standardized work, and process optimization.
• Oversees daily meetings when required with the simulation project team to review status, address issues, and align priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental regulations and customer specifications.
• Adhere to the Quality System and participate in ongoing quality and process improvement activities.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance to meet operational and supervisory responsibilities.

Skills

Leadership

Project coordination

Team development

Quality & process improvement

CAD document control

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Simulation Supervisor evaluates a wide range of robotic applications to develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes. The primary objective of this role is to confirm application functionality, sequencing, and cycle‑time performance while ensuring full compliance with customer and program requirements.

This position is responsible for verifying existing processes or developing new ones as needed to meet customer specifications. The Simulation Supervisor works collaboratively with cross‑functional teams—including Project Management, Processing, Mechanical Design, Systems Layout, Joining, Controls, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, and Robot Programming—to validate all aspects of the manufacturing process from initial design through production readiness.

In addition to technical responsibilities, the Simulation Supervisor oversees and coordinates all simulation activities across multiple projects. This includes managing workloads, ensuring technical accuracy, maintaining communication across departments, and guiding the Simulation Team to deliver timely, high‑quality, and customer‑aligned simulation outputs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Leadership

• Provide guidance, direction, and technical support to Simulation Leaders and Simulation Operators across all simulation projects.
• Review progress reports with Simulation Leaders prior to discussions with the Simulation Manager.
• Coordinate simulation process reviews to ensure alignment, accuracy, and timely execution.
• Collaborate with the Simulation Manager on manpower planning, resource allocation, and workload balancing.
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of CAD files and job‑related documents throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop, implement, and maintain simulation standards, ensuring consistency across all projects.
• Actively support continuous improvement initiatives, standardized work, and process optimization.
• Oversees daily meetings when required with the simulation project team to review status, address issues, and align priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental regulations and customer specifications. Identify and report concerns in both KUKA and customer facilities.
• Adhere to the Quality System and participate in ongoing quality and process improvement activities.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance to meet operational and supervisory responsibilities.

Direct Oversight of Simulation Leaders

Project Coordination & Oversight

• Attend meetings as required to review simulation or overall project status.
• Coordinate project‑specific items, ensuring Simulation Leaders have clear direction and support.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of the Robot Complexity Matrix for assigned projects.
• Ensure Simulation Leaders create or update simulation issues within the internal Open Issues Matrix.
• Track and maintain project status and progress reporting to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Support Simulation Leaders and Simulation Engineers in resolving process issues, evaluating feasibility, and recommending improvements.

Team Development & Support

• Train and mentor new Simulation Leaders and Operators on KUKA standards, customer‑specific requirements, and simulation best practices.
• Oversee the creation, updating, and maintenance of KUKA Teamcenter, One11 tool tracking sheets, and any other tracking documents required to complete our work.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no managerial responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from a four-year college or university; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Bachelor's degree

KUKA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.