Factory Simulation Engineer

Job Title: Plant Simulation Engineer - Material Movement

Job Description

The Plant Simulation Engineer develops, validates, and optimizes discrete event simulation models to support material flow optimization, manufacturing planning, capacity analysis, and launch readiness across production facilities. In this role, you will build a virtual factory environment where manufacturing and assembly events are simulated and analyzed to evaluate production scenarios, identify bottlenecks, and provide data-driven recommendations that improve throughput, utilization, and overall operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain digital factory models using Siemens Plant Simulation to represent complete manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Perform manufacturing capacity analysis for body shop, paint shop, and general assembly, including Jobs Per Hour (JPH), cycle times, buffer sizing, and related performance metrics.
• Create detailed simulation models for material handling systems such as AMRs, AGVs, conveyors, and production lines.
• Model and analyze sequencing operations to ensure efficient and reliable material and product flow.
• Support new vehicle launches through simulation-based validation of processes, layouts, and material movement strategies.
• Identify bottlenecks and constraints in production systems and propose practical process improvements based on simulation results.
• Validate plant layouts and manufacturing concepts in a virtual environment before physical implementation.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Controls Engineers, Material Flow Engineers, Process/Industrial Engineers, and Plant Operations teams to align simulation outputs with real-world requirements.
• Generate clear, data-driven reports and present simulation findings and recommendations to plant stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Communicate technical insights and complex simulation results in a clear and understandable way to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience using Siemens Plant Simulation (Plant Simulation) for discrete event modeling and analysis.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, including body shop, paint shop, and general assembly operations.
• Knowledge of material flow concepts and how they impact throughput, utilization, and system performance.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and their application in production systems.
• Understanding of production systems, including capacity, cycle time, and buffer management.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical findings, simulation results, and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with engineering and operations stakeholders.
• Industrial engineering experience or equivalent experience in manufacturing systems analysis and optimization.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and automated material handling systems.
• Exposure to or interest in emerging simulation tools such as Isaac Sim or similar platforms.
• Experience building simulation models for complex material handling and sequencing operations.
• Ability to translate business and operational requirements into robust digital factory models.
• Comfort presenting to plant stakeholders and supporting decision-making with data-driven insights.

Work Environment

This role operates in a digital factory and manufacturing-focused environment where you use Siemens Plant Simulation and other simulation tools to build and analyze virtual models of production facilities. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering and plant operations teams, frequently collaborating on capacity analysis, material flow design, and launch readiness activities. The position involves regular interaction with stakeholders across body shop, paint shop, and general assembly, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. The work is primarily office and computer-based, centered on simulation, analysis, and reporting, with periodic engagement with plant operations teams to align virtual models with real-world manufacturing conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $56.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Warren,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.