Principal Structural Simulation Application Engineer

Synopsys is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. We deliver industry-leading silicon design, IP, simulation and analysis solutions, and design services. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow.

You are a seasoned structural simulation expert who's spent years at the intersection of deep technical rigor, customer partnership, and technical leadership. You're at your best when you're shaping solutions to complex engineering problems-and you're trusted as the go-to resource for your colleagues, not just for your technical depth but for your ability to mentor, coach, and elevate the team around you.

You think strategically about how simulation fits into the bigger picture of product development, and you've led by example-rolling up your sleeves with FEA, guiding junior team members through tough technical challenges, and translating customer pain points into actionable solutions. You know the difference between a demo that impresses and one that drives real adoption, and you invest in making sure your team knows it too.

You're comfortable representing Synopsys with senior stakeholders-inside and outside the company-translating technical detail into business value, influencing product direction, and setting the bar for technical excellence. You're approachable, committed to knowledge sharing, and driven by the impact your work has on customers and colleagues alike. For you, mentoring isn't a checkbox-it's how you build lasting capability and raise the standard for everyone.

This position requires access to or use of information, which is subject to export restrictions, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants for this position must be "U.S. Persons" within the meaning of the ITAR. "U.S. Persons" include U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (i.e., 'Green Card Holders'), Political Asylees, Refugees or other protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

• Lead technical engagements with Federal Aerospace & Defense customers, shaping requirements, architecting solutions, and guiding teams through complex FEA and simulation challenges.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior engineers-providing technical guidance, reviewing work, and building capability across the team.
• Act as the technical authority in customer discussions, translating application needs into practical solutions using Ansys Mechanical, LS-DYNA, or similar platforms.
• Drive the adoption of Synopsys simulation solutions by building trust with customers, demonstrating value, and supporting integration into their design workflows.
• Partner with Product Development to advocate for customer needs, influence feature development, and participate in testing and feedback for new releases.
• Create and deliver technical materials-conference presentations, best practice guides, and training sessions-to support internal teams and external customer communities.
• Lead professional service projects and ensure delivery excellence, from scoping through execution and post-project support.

• Accelerate the adoption of Synopsys simulation solutions in high-impact, regulated industries by serving as a trusted advisor and hands-on expert.
• Raise the technical bar for the Applications Engineering team by mentoring, sharing knowledge, and modeling best practices.
• Bridge the gap between customer requirements and product innovation-ensuring feedback drives meaningful improvements.
• Enable customers to achieve breakthrough performance in their designs by integrating advanced simulation tools into their workflows.
• Expand the reach and reputation of Synopsys through thought leadership, conference participation, and external engagement.
• Build lasting technical capability within the team, ensuring junior engineers grow into future leaders.
• Drive measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, retention, and solution adoption.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 8+ years of professional experience in engineering simulation or CAE environments (or equivalent depth and leadership in the field)
• Extensive hands-on experience with FEA modeling using commercial CAE tools such as Ansys Mechanical or LS-DYNA
• Proven track record of mentoring, coaching, or leading junior engineers in a technical setting
• Deep fundamentals in structural and continuum mechanics, with the ability to apply them to real-world challenges
• Strong scripting skills in Python and/or C++; experience automating or customizing simulation workflows is a plus
• Clear, confident communicator with experience presenting to both technical and executive audiences
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% domestically for customer and team engagements
• Basic understanding of AI/ML algorithms as they relate to simulation workflows is beneficial

• You break down complex simulation problems into actionable steps for both customers and junior engineers.
• You give clear, constructive feedback, and you're invested in the growth and success of people around you.
• You can walk into a customer meeting, quickly earn trust, and navigate ambiguity to a concrete plan of action.
• You see mentoring as an opportunity to multiply your impact, not just a responsibility.
• You stay up to date on new tools and techniques, and you share what you learn freely.
• You balance technical depth with approachability.

You'll join a highly skilled Applications Engineering team specializing in structural simulation. The team is dedicated to supporting customers, advancing product innovation, and driving technical excellence across Ansys' Mechanical portfolio. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, and we foster an environment where ideas are shared freely and every team member's contributions are valued. Together, we tackle complex challenges and enable customers to achieve their goals.

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.