A simulation engineer creates tools and systems that can be used to re-create events or situations. These tools are extremely useful because they allow users to predict what will happen next. A person can learn how to perform risky tasks in a safe environment using this information. The simulation engineer works as a researcher, designer, tester, analyst, liaison, troubleshooter, reporter, salesman, and manager as part of this job.
A simulation engineer’s job starts with determining the simulation project’s constraints. This means that the simulation engineer determines which conditions or events should be included in the simulation testing in order for the simulation to provide the most realistic experience possible. It also implies that the simulation engineer selects the most appropriate tools. To do so, the engineer conducts research and consults with the simulation project’s managers.
Once the engineer understands the simulation team’s goals and the paths to achieving those goals, he creates initial programs or prototypes to test. He then puts these programs and prototypes to the test and analyzes the results. If the results are unsatisfactory, the simulation engineer looks into the potential causes of the issues.
When a simulation engineer discovers a problem in a program or prototype and is aware of possible causes, he begins troubleshooting. The engineer’s goal at this stage is to fine-tune the program or prototype until it performs as expected. It’s possible that this will entail physically adjusting hardware. It could also entail writing new software code to fix bugs. In some cases, the engineer may need to enlist the help of other professionals with advanced training in one of the specialized areas the engineer needs to address, so the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is crucial to the project’s success.
After the engineer is satisfied that the program or prototype is stable and safe, he allows others to use the equipment. The equipment should, in theory, work the same for these testers as it does for the software engineer. If it doesn’t, the engineer will have to go back and revise again. If it does, the project director is likely to approve the software’s release or the construction of full-scale hardware models based on the prototype.
A simulation engineer may supervise others working on the same project at any time during its development. He might, for instance, delegate work to specific mechanics. The engineer must coordinate the work of everyone he supervises so that parts of the simulation project are completed on time and in a way that they can be combined as needed for the project.
Simulation project directors occasionally want to know how the project is progressing. In these cases, the engineer creates reports detailing what the simulation team has completed and what remains unfinished. The engineer provides information that assists the director in determining whether the project is on budget and on track to meet its initial objectives and timeline. The engineer may send these reports to the director on a casual basis, but he or she may be required to attend formal meetings and present the data in person, especially if the simulation project’s major shareholders are present.
Another function of a simulation engineer is that of a salesperson. The simulation engineer must persuade the project director that his design will work and has real market potential both before and during the simulation project. It is often necessary to be able to translate technical aspects of a project into layman’s terms and to focus on the bottom line of improving performance or profit. In some cases, the simulation engineer will show potential customers how the simulation program or hardware works.