Sr. Principal Engineer - Simulation Lead – FEA & CFD

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly experienced Sr. Principal Engineer - Simulation Lead – FEA & CFD to drive enterprise‑wide simulation strategy and execution across all products. The role requires deep expertise in ANSYS‑based simulation, strong understanding of thermal and structural physics, and exceptional interpretation and communication skills.

This role goes beyond execution and requires technical leadership, organizational maturity building, executive‑level engagement, and global team leadership. The Simulation Lead will work closely with the Sr. Director – Modeling & Simulation to shape and execute the simulation and digital twin strategy, while leading overseas FEA and CFD teams.

Responsibilities

Simulation Leadership & Technical Excellence

• Own and drive simulation strategy and execution across the complete product portfolio
• Lead FEA and CFD simulations covering thermal, structural, and coupled multiphysics problems
• Act as a technical authority for simulation‑driven design decisions, risk assessment, and validation
• Ensure high‑quality interpretation, correlation, and communication of simulation results to guide product and business decisions
• Review, validate, and approve simulation methodologies, assumptions, and results

Organizational & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and technically guide global and overseas FEA and CFD teams
• Establish best practices, standards, and governance for simulation processes
• Develop team capability through coaching, training, and structured skill development
• Support hiring, onboarding, and competency development aligned to business needs

Executive‑Level Engagement & Strategy Support

• Work for Sr. Director – Modeling & Simulation to support: 
  • Enterprise simulation strategy
  • Digital twin roadmap and maturity evolution
  • Capability expansion and ROI articulation
• Prepare and support executive‑level presentations on: 
  • Simulation and digital twin strategy
  • Technology roadmap and investments
  • Capability maturity and business impact
• Influence leadership decisions through data‑driven insights and clear storytelling

Vendor & Ecosystem Management

• Act as the technical interface with strategic tool vendors including ANSYS, Cadence, and PTC
• Drive:  
  • Tool roadmap alignment
  • Licensing and usage optimization
  • Capability expansion and best‑practice adoption
• Lead technical discussions, escalations, and roadmap reviews with vendors in alignment with business strategy

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with design, hardware, systems, and program teams
• Influence product architecture early in the development lifecycle through simulation‑led insights
• Support product validation, failure analysis, and root‑cause investigations

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Expertise

• 15 years of experience in engineering simulation (FEA / CFD)
• Strong hands‑on expertise in ANSYS (Mechanical, Fluent/CFX, Workbench) – mandatory
• Strong understanding of: 
  • Structural analysis (linear/nonlinear, static, dynamic, fatigue, thermal‑stress)
  • Thermal analysis (steady‑state, transient, conjugate heat transfer)
• Experience with multiphysics simulations and complex systems
• Proven strength in simulation result interpretation and decision support

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Excellent interpretation, communication, and executive presentation skills
• Proven experience leading global or overseas simulation teams
• Strong stakeholder management and cross‑cultural collaboration skills
• Ability to balance hands‑on technical depth with strategic leadership
• Strong problem‑solving, ownership, and decision‑making mindset

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Automotive, or related discipline
• Experience in product‑based industries (electronics, data centers, automotive, industrial, aerospace, etc.)
• Exposure to digital twin frameworks, automation, optimization, or scripting
• Prior experience influencing senior leadership and executive forums

What Success Looks Like

• Simulation is a trusted decision‑making backbone across products
• Strong alignment between simulation, digital twin strategy, and business outcomes
• Mature, high‑performing global FEA/CFD teams
• Clear executive visibility into simulation value, capability, and roadmap

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities. 

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS:  Safety.  Integrity.  Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

•  Customer Focus

•  Operational Excellence

•  High-Performance Culture

•  Innovation

•  Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

•  Own It

•  Act With Urgency

•  Foster a Customer-First Mindset

•  Think Big and Execute

•  Lead by Example

•  Drive Continuous Improvement

•  Learn and Seek Out Development

About Vertiv

Vertiv is a $10.2 billion global critical infrastructure and data center technology company.  We ensure customers’ vital applications run continuously by bringing together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services.  Our portfolio includes power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 20,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.   

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com.

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