Throughput Simulation Engineer

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Throughput Simulation Engineer to join our Lake Orion, MI or Holland, MI team. You will work with customers, sales, and engineering to develop simulation solutions for manufacturing and warehousing systems.

The role emphasizes discrete event simulations to analyze throughput, capacity, and bottlenecks, with opportunities to advance digital twins and tool development. Travel may be required; a Bachelor's degree in engineering is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of direct robotics or automation simulation experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Software engineering preferred.
• Experience with robotic/discrete simulation software such as Process Simulate or RobotStudio.

Responsibilities

• Develop discrete event simulation models for manufacturing, warehouse, and material handling systems.
• Analyze throughput, capacity, and bottlenecks to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, and engineering to evaluate designs.

Skills

Robotics experience

Discrete event simulation

Manufacturing systems analysis

Programming experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Software engineering

Tools

Process Simulate

Plant Simulate

RobotStudio

RoboGuide

Job description

Location: Lake Orion, Michigan, Unites States Job ID: R0128480 Date Posted: 2026-04-27 Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No

The Opportunity

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as a Throughput Simulation Engineer in Holland, MI or Lake Orion, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life. Location Type: This role can be located at our headquarters in Holland, MI or our facility in Lake Orion, MI.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Work with customers, sales, and engineering teams to develop solutions requiring simulations.
• Analyze and model manufacturing, warehousing, and material flow systems to evaluate throughput, capacity, and operational performance.
• Develop discrete event simulation models to support concept development, system validation, and customer decision‑making.
• Identify bottlenecks, capacity constraints, and optimization opportunities using simulation and data‑driven analysis.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, and engineering teams to evaluate alternative system designs and operational strategies.
• Work with the Application Engineers if simulations are needed in proposals.
• Balance project priority and cross‑business unit work.
• Initiate, facilitate and cultivate external relationships and partnerships.
• Build processes and retain relationships to share simulation capabilities, processes and knowledge across all JR Automation companies and business units.
• Adhere to JR Automation and Simulation Engineering standards and processes.
• Maintain the quality, respectability, and professionalism that JR Automation requires.

Simulation Capabilities

• Perform robotic reach & cycle time studies.
• Perform system throughput studies.
• Develop and execute discrete event and throughput simulation models for manufacturing, warehouse, and automated material handling systems.
• Perform system throughput, capacity, resource utilization, and bottleneck analysis.
• Work with the design teams to validate tooling, layout, and robot selection.
• Provide engineering teams with robot paths, OLPs and data.
• Produce simulation videos and images.
• Professionally present the simulation and findings to the team and customer.

Additional Opportunities

• Develop simulations for virtual commissioning, including digital twins.
• Develop advanced simulation tools.
• Develop simulation standards, processes, models, and scripts/control.
• Provide high quality realistic imaging and 3D animation videos for marketing.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum 3+ years of direct experience with robotics, preferably within the industrial automation or comparable industry.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Software engineering preferred.
• Experience with robotic and/or discrete simulation software preferred, software such as: Process Simulate, Plant Simulate, RobotStudio, RoboGuide, Visual Components, Emulate3D, Industrial robotic automated work cell design experience.
• Ability to experiment while reviewing concepts, think out‑of‑the‑box, and providing solutions.
• Strong logical and critical thinking.
• Programming experience is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and quality.
• Time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives with varying priorities.
• Some travel required and willingness to commit to extended travel periods for project‑based work, training, sales events, and conferences.
• Some international traveling could be required.

Company Overview

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what’s possible to automate for tomorrow. Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators. Fueled by Possible.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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