STEM OPT Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs
Senior Simulation Engineer roles in aerospace, automotive, and defense align directly with STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 24 additional months of work authorization after your initial OPT year. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field qualifies you to apply.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Launch Your Career in Advanced Manufacturing and Automation
Are you passionate about robotics, automation, 3D design, and solving real-world engineering challenges? Join Makino as an Automation Simulation Engineer and help develop advanced automation solutions used by manufacturers around the world. This newly created role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or an early-career professional with 1 to 2 years of experience who is eager to build hands-on skills in simulation, CAD design, automation, and manufacturing technology.
In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to create virtual models and simulations that help customers visualize automation concepts, evaluate system performance, and support the transition from proposal to production.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You Will Do
Automation Proposal Support
- Create 2D and 3D simulations of automated manufacturing systems.
- Develop time-based kinematic simulations that demonstrate system operation and performance.
- Perform throughput and cycle time analyses for proposed automation solutions.
- Design project-specific automation components using 3D CAD software.
- Configure and evaluate automation system concepts.
- Support customer presentations and proposal reviews with visual simulations and technical data.
- Maintain and enhance a library of standard automation modules for future projects.
Project Engineering Support
- Collaborate with automation engineering teams to transition concepts into real-world production systems.
- Develop accurate digital representations of automation system geometry and functionality.
- Support offline programming and virtual system emulation activities.
- Identify opportunities for automation product improvements and enhancements.
Additional Opportunities
- Generate realistic 3D renderings and animations for marketing and customer-facing materials. Present simulation capabilities to customers and internal teams.
- Participate in innovative automation and manufacturing technology initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Associate or Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Recent graduate preferred, or 1 to 2 years of relevant engineering, co-op, internship, or manufacturing experience.
- Experience gained through internships, co-ops, capstone projects, lab work, or student organizations is highly valued.
Technical Skills
- Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or similar platforms.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and spatial reasoning skills.
- Understanding of mechatronic or electro-mechanical systems.
- Exposure to automation, robotics, controls, or manufacturing processes.
- Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Experience with structured text programming is a plus.
- Familiarity with industrial networking and communication protocols is beneficial.
- Python programming experience for automation, simulation, or data analysis is preferred.
Personal Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Curious, collaborative, and eager to learn.
At Makino, we invest in our people—offering competitive pay, strong benefits, and opportunities to grow your career while working with industry-leading technology. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Onsite Cafeteria and Fitness Center
- Tuition assistance and continuous learning opportunities
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Employee assistance programs and wellness resources
Equal Employment Opportunity
Makino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
INTRODUCTION
Launch Your Career in Advanced Manufacturing and Automation
Are you passionate about robotics, automation, 3D design, and solving real-world engineering challenges? Join Makino as an Automation Simulation Engineer and help develop advanced automation solutions used by manufacturers around the world. This newly created role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or an early-career professional with 1 to 2 years of experience who is eager to build hands-on skills in simulation, CAD design, automation, and manufacturing technology.
In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to create virtual models and simulations that help customers visualize automation concepts, evaluate system performance, and support the transition from proposal to production.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You Will Do
Automation Proposal Support
- Create 2D and 3D simulations of automated manufacturing systems.
- Develop time-based kinematic simulations that demonstrate system operation and performance.
- Perform throughput and cycle time analyses for proposed automation solutions.
- Design project-specific automation components using 3D CAD software.
- Configure and evaluate automation system concepts.
- Support customer presentations and proposal reviews with visual simulations and technical data.
- Maintain and enhance a library of standard automation modules for future projects.
Project Engineering Support
- Collaborate with automation engineering teams to transition concepts into real-world production systems.
- Develop accurate digital representations of automation system geometry and functionality.
- Support offline programming and virtual system emulation activities.
- Identify opportunities for automation product improvements and enhancements.
Additional Opportunities
- Generate realistic 3D renderings and animations for marketing and customer-facing materials. Present simulation capabilities to customers and internal teams.
- Participate in innovative automation and manufacturing technology initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Associate or Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Recent graduate preferred, or 1 to 2 years of relevant engineering, co-op, internship, or manufacturing experience.
- Experience gained through internships, co-ops, capstone projects, lab work, or student organizations is highly valued.
Technical Skills
- Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or similar platforms.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and spatial reasoning skills.
- Understanding of mechatronic or electro-mechanical systems.
- Exposure to automation, robotics, controls, or manufacturing processes.
- Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Experience with structured text programming is a plus.
- Familiarity with industrial networking and communication protocols is beneficial.
- Python programming experience for automation, simulation, or data analysis is preferred.
Personal Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Curious, collaborative, and eager to learn.
At Makino, we invest in our people—offering competitive pay, strong benefits, and opportunities to grow your career while working with industry-leading technology. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Onsite Cafeteria and Fitness Center
- Tuition assistance and continuous learning opportunities
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Employee assistance programs and wellness resources
Equal Employment Opportunity
Makino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
See all 34+ STEM OPT Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior Simulation Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on your degree's CIP code appearing on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Engineering and computer science codes typically qualify, but applied mathematics or physics variants may not. Confirm with your DSO before targeting simulation roles.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before investing time in an application. Defense contractors and aerospace firms almost universally participate, making them reliable targets.
Align your training plan to simulation-specific competencies
Your I-983 training plan must tie learning objectives to your job duties. For Senior Simulation Engineers, map plan goals to specific skills such as finite element analysis, real-time simulation, or model-based systems engineering rather than generic engineering language, which strengthens DSO approval.
Check prevailing wage levels using OFLC Wage Search
Employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers must pay at least the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Run your SOC code through OFLC Wage Search before negotiating an offer so you know the wage floor and can identify whether an offer meets DOL requirements.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify-enrolled employers
Targeting the right employers is faster when you can filter by E-Verify status and role type simultaneously. Migrate Mate surfaces simulation engineering roles at employers already enrolled in E-Verify, cutting the manual verification step out of your search entirely.
Request the 60-day job search period strategically
If your simulation engineering position ends unexpectedly, USCIS allows a single 60-day unemployment window during your STEM OPT extension. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends so your authorized unemployment period starts correctly and you don't lose days through delayed reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Simulation Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM CIP code and the role directly applies that training. Simulation engineering positions in aerospace, automotive, defense, and semiconductor industries routinely qualify because they require specialized engineering or computer science degrees. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO and verify that your job duties map to your degree field before submitting the STEM OPT extension application to USCIS.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a simulation engineering role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your actual duties as a Senior Simulation Engineer. Generic descriptions won't satisfy USCIS requirements. Include technical goals such as developing physics-based simulation models, validating real-time systems, or applying finite element methods. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is authorized. Both parties must also submit a six-month evaluation during the extension period.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer?
Use the official E-Verify employer search tool to look up your prospective employer by company name or location. Enrollment status must be active, not simply registered or expired. Many defense and aerospace contractors maintain continuous E-Verify enrollment due to federal contracting requirements, but smaller simulation software firms may not. If a company isn't enrolled, they can't legally employ you on STEM OPT, and enrolling takes additional time that can delay your start date.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm on STEM OPT and get selected in the H-1B lottery?
If your STEM OPT end date falls before October 1 of the fiscal year your H-1B visa petition targets, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization and F-1 status until your H-1B status begins. Your employer doesn't need to take additional action beyond having filed a timely H-1B petition. USCIS issues updated guidance each lottery cycle, so confirm current cap-gap rules with your DSO after selection results are announced.
Where can I find Senior Simulation Engineer jobs at employers who support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Senior Simulation Engineer openings filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and visa sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through companies that can't hire you on STEM OPT. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for this role to identify related job titles and industries where simulation engineering demand is highest, then target your applications accordingly.