Altair Simulation Engineer
The OpportunityA unique dual role at a premier FEA/CFD consultancy: 60% Senior Altair simulation consulting across Predictive Engineering’s international client base, and 40% Technical Authority for the full Altair/Siemens simulation portfolio through our sister company, AppliedCAx. You will solve problems that most simulation engineers never encounter -- from hypersonic structural dynamics and rocket motor thermals to nuclear component qualification and submarine buckling.Following Siemens’ $10 billion acquisition of Altair in March 2025, this role spans the broadest AI-powered simulation ecosystem in the industry: HyperWorks, OptiStruct, Radioss, AcuSolve, and PhysicsAI alongside Simcenter and STAR-CCM+. No single-vendor role offers this breadth. As Technical Authority, you will engage VP-level and C-suite engineering leadership as a recognized SME, deliver technical presentations and webinars, and contribute to methodology publications and conference proceedings. You will not be a vendor rep -- you will be the technical authority your clients cannot find elsewhere.What You Must Have:• Minimum 5 years full-time simulation engineering experience with direct Altair FEA project delivery.• BSME, MSME, or PhD with coursework in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, or continuum mechanics. Advanced degrees strongly preferred.• Demonstrable technical communication skills: clear engineering reports and confident oral presentations to senior audiences.• US person status required (ITAR/EAR export control compliance).What Sets You Apart:• Graduate coursework or research in nonlinear dynamics, composites, elasticity, plates and shells, or fracture mechanics. Academic depth is respected here -- the Founder holds a PhD in materials science.• Hands-on experience with Altair HyperWorks tools: HyperMesh, OptiStruct, Radioss, AcuSolve, SimSolid, or HyperStudy. Siemens Simcenter 3D or STAR-CCM+ experience is a meaningful plus.• Scripting proficiency in Python, MATLAB, VBA, or TCL/Tk for simulation automation and post-processing.• Comfort with AI-assisted coding tools -- paired with the engineering judgment to verify every output before it touches a model.• Breadth across analysis disciplines: topology optimization, explicit crash/impact, fatigue life, linear dynamics (PSD, seismic), or FSI/CFD/SPH/ALE methods.• Interest in AI-enhanced simulation: Altair PhysicsAI, surrogate modeling (romAI), ML-driven optimization, or Altair RapidMiner. Conference presentations or peer-reviewed publications are a welcome signal.What Your Work Life Looks Like:There is very little repetition at Predictive Engineering. Monday morning you are finalizing a nonlinear contact analysis on a composite pressure vessel for a space launch client. After lunch you shift to a structural dynamic model for a small satellite whose PDR is in three weeks. By end of week you are preparing an OptiStruct topology optimization demonstration for a defense prime’s Chief Engineer, who asks you to lead the full program simulation assessment on the spot. The following week, you travel to deliver a HyperWorks AI workflow presentation for a nuclear fusion company, return to Portland, review results with Dr. Laird, and submit a conference abstract to the Altair Technology Conference. That is a normal two weeks here.Compensation and Benefits:Total compensation of $143,000-$198,000 comprising a base of $130,000-$180,000 plus a quarterly performance bonus of up to 2.5%, paid each quarter when AppliedCAx makes its quota to Siemens Digital Industries Software.Benefits: 20 days combined vacation/sick leave, nine paid holidays, comprehensive health plan, and 401(k) with up to 5% employer match (rising to 10% at three years). Company-funded continuing education and one professional conference of your choice per year. After three years, unlimited paid leave.We support hybrid/flexible work with five to ten days per month in our modern PDX office; this is negotiable based on your history. Portland offers no state sales tax, outstanding outdoor recreation, and a cost of living well below Seattle or the Bay Area. We actively fund conference presentations (Altair ATCx, NAFEMS World Congress, AIAA, SAE, ASME) and support NAFEMS PSE certification.How to Apply:Send a brief cover letter and resume to Careers@PredictiveEngineering.com. An example of your analysis work -- a plot, figure, or published result you are proud of -- is welcome. Keep your submittal concise. Every qualifying submission receives a direct reply. Predictive Engineering, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.