Principal Design and Simulation Engineer

About Re:Build 

At Re:Build, our mission is to ensure the next generation of important products are made, at scale, in America. We are laying the foundation for a better future for our customers, employees, and communities by revitalizing America's manufacturing base and creating meaningful jobs across the country, including in historically deindustrialized regions. 

We operate an advanced, end-to-end manufacturing platform that partners with industrial companies and innovators to take products from first concept to full-scale production in critical verticals including aerospace and defense, electrification, medical, energy and environment, and robotics and automation. 

The way we operate is as important as the work we do. It's guided by The Re:Build Way, 16 principles that shape how we collaborate with each other, partner with our customers and vendors, and contribute to the communities where we operate. (link to The Re:Build Way principles) 

About Re:Build Optimation

At Re:Build Optimation, we specialize in delivering custom-engineered process equipment and automated systems to clients across the globe. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex chemical process systems, we have built a reputation for precision, reliability, and innovation. Our multidisciplinary team of 70+ engineers, designers, and programmers, combined with 150,000 square feet of fabrication space and over 70 skilled tradespeople, allows us to provide full turnkey solutions—from initial concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning.

As part of Re:Build Manufacturing, we leverage the strength of a national industrial powerhouse while maintaining the agility and personalized service of a niche firm. We serve industries ranging from traditional and green energy to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, glass, and advanced manufacturing, offering tailored solutions that optimize efficiency and performance.

At Re:Build Optimation, we believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to develop solutions that align with their unique operational goals. Our deep industry expertise and end-to-end capabilities make us the ideal partner for companies seeking cutting-edge automation, process control, and engineered systems.

Who We Are Looking For

Re:Build Optimation is seeking an experienced Principal Design and Simulation Engineer to serve as a technical expert in structural, thermal, and fluid simulation for industrial machinery and equipment. In this role, you'll apply your expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to tackle complex engineering challenges, validate designs, and help deliver reliable, high-performing manufacturing solutions.

You'll work closely with mechanical design engineers, project teams, and customers to translate simulation results into practical design improvements. We're looking for someone who combines deep technical knowledge with strong problem-solving skills, enjoys mentoring others, and can confidently guide engineering decisions.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys technical leadership, collaboration, and contributing to diverse industrial machine design projects from concept through commissioning.

Who We Are Looking For

Re:Build Optimation is seeking an experienced Principal Design and Simulation Engineer to lead structural, thermal, and fluid simulation efforts for industrial machinery and equipment. You'll use your expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to solve engineering challenges, improve equipment performance, and support innovative manufacturing solutions.

In this role, you'll collaborate with mechanical design engineers, project teams, and customers to turn simulation results into practical design improvements. We're looking for a collaborative problem-solver who enjoys sharing knowledge, mentoring engineers, and helping teams make informed technical decisions.

You'll have the opportunity to contribute your expertise across a variety of industrial projects, from early design through commissioning, while helping strengthen our engineering capabilities.

What You Get To Do

• Lead structural, thermal, and fluid simulations (FEA/CFD) for industrial machinery and equipment projects.
• Perform and validate simulations using SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Ansys, and Ansys Fluent.
• Partner with mechanical design engineers to define simulation requirements, boundary conditions, meshing strategies, and CAD model preparation.
• Evaluate mechanical systems, including structural weldments, piping, pressure vessels, rotating equipment, and automated machinery.
• Translate simulation results into practical recommendations that improve equipment safety, reliability, and performance.
• Develop simulation standards, validation methods, and best practices to improve analysis accuracy and consistency.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, simulation reports, and technical documentation.
• Mentor engineers, share technical knowledge, and guide project teams in applying simulation insights to design decisions.
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to develop solutions, communicate findings, and support project execution.
• Contribute to project estimates, proposals, technical reviews, field assessments, and commissioning activities.
• Support compliance with applicable engineering codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• 10–15 years of relevant experience in industrial machinery, manufacturing, or capital equipment engineering, including significant FEA/CFD experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, including Simulation/FEA and Flow Simulation, with experience using Ansys and Ansys Fluent.
• Strong understanding of simulation techniques, including meshing, boundary conditions, material properties, convergence, and validation.
• Ability to collaborate with mechanical design engineers to prepare simulation-ready CAD models and improve designs.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, fabrication methods, and industry codes such as ASME, API, and NFPA.
• Experience defining technical requirements, estimating engineering costs, and supporting project delivery.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with an interest in mentoring and developing others.
• Commitment to safe engineering practices and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work on-site in Rochester and/or Rush, NY, with travel as needed (typically less than 25%).

Preferred Skills

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with automated machinery, robotics, precision motion systems, web handling, piping, pressure vessels, or related mechanical systems.
• Experience validating simulation results through physical testing.
• Knowledge of fatigue analysis, vibration analysis, topology optimization, or thermal-fluid analysis.
• Familiarity with advanced SolidWorks tools, AutoCAD, Creo/ProE, or similar software.
• Experience with ISO 9001, Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices.

Compensation 

The base salary range for this position is $120,000 – $151,000 per year. This range represents the Company’s good faith estimate of the base compensation for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for annual incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives, subject to Company plans. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits. 

The BIG payoff

We are a company who is going to make a difference in the industries and the communities in which we choose to operate.  Every employee of Re:Build will share ownership in the company and will share in the financial rewards of the success we achieve together, at all levels of the company!

We want to work with people that reflect the communities in which we operate

Re:Build Manufacturing is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Re:Build is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected] or you may call us at 617.909.6275.