Simulation & Modeling Engineer

Heller Industries is seeking a highly motivated Simulation & Modeling Engineer to lead the development and application of advanced simulation tools supporting thermal processing equipment used in electronics, semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing industries.

The Simulation & Modeling Engineer will be responsible for developing, validating, and applying computational models to improve thermal performance, airflow uniformity, energy efficiency, reliability, and product throughput across Heller's product portfolio. The primary focus will be computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer analysis, thermal optimization, and multiphysics simulation utilizing ANSYS and Solid Works simulation tools.

This position will work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, and Applications Engineering teams to accelerate product development and reduce physical prototype iterations through first-principles simulation and data-driven engineering.

• Develop CFD models of thermal processing equipment using ANSYS Fluent and Solid Works Flow Simulation.
• Model airflow distribution, pressure losses, turbulence characteristics, fan performance, and recirculation systems.
• Optimize nozzle configurations, plenums, ductwork, dampers, and process chamber airflow.
• Analyze gas flow behavior within:
• SMT reflow ovens
• Vacuum reflow systems
• Formic acid processing equipment
• Pressure curing ovens
• Drying systems
• Convection and hybrid thermal systems
• Predict and improve thermal uniformity across process chambers.

• Develop transient and steady-state thermal models.
• Perform heat transfer analysis involving:
• Conduction
• Radiation
• Forced-air hating
• Multi-zone thermal systems
• Predict product temperatures and process profiles.
• Evaluate heater placement, insulation effectiveness, and thermal efficiency
• Support development of new thermal technologies and process architectures.

• Perform structural FEA using ANSYS Mechanical and Solid Works Simulation.
• Analyze:
• Thermal growth and distortion
• Conveyor and rail deflection
• Fan wheel stress
• High-temperature material performance
• Fatigue and wear concerns
• Evaluate critical mechanical subsystems subjected to thermal cycling.

• Support New Product Development (NPD) programs from concept through production release.
• Participate in design reviews and provide simulation-based recommendations.
• Develop performance predictions for proposed concepts.
• Generate engineering reports to support design decisions.
• Identify root causes of system performance limitations.

• Correlate simulation predictions with laboratory and field measurements.
• Design experiments to validate:
• Airflow velocity
• Thermal profiles
• Improve model accuracy through iterative validation.
• Develop simulation best practices and standards.

• Assist field teams in troubleshooting thermal and airflow-related performance issues.
• Support process development activities at customer sites.
• Thermal uniformity concerns
• Airflow imbalances
• Energy efficiency opportunities
• Product profile concerns

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3+ years of engineering simulation experience.
• Proficiency with: ANSYS Fluent; ANSYS Mechanical;
  Solid Works;
  Solid Works Flow Simulation.
• Strong understanding of:
  Fluid dynamics;
  Heat transfer;
  Thermodynamics;
  Engineering mechanics.
• Experience generating technical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex simulation results.

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with…