Head of Simulation & Machine Analytics – Precision Machinery - Wetzlar

OverviewTo strengthen the R&D and engineering organisation of an established high-tech machine manufacturer, we are seeking an experienced Head of Simulation & Machine Analytics.This is a senior technical leadership position responsible for a specialist engineering team working across numerical simulation, experimental machine analysis and measurement technology.You will lead the development and application of simulation and measurement methods used to understand the thermal, structural, static, dynamic and fluid-mechanical behaviour of complex high-precision machinery, translating the results into practical improvements in machine performance, accuracy and reliability.ResponsibilitiesLead and develop the Machine Analytics & Simulation department, both technically and operationally.Plan, coordinate and oversee development projects and activities within machine simulation and analytics.Perform and evaluate thermal, structural mechanical and fluid mechanical simulations of machines, systems and manufacturing processes.Drive the development and application of FE/FEM, multiphysics and numerical simulation methods.Investigate the thermal, static and dynamic behaviour of complex high-precision machinery.Plan, execute and evaluate experimental investigations using appropriate measurement technologies.Analyse machine behaviour through a combination of simulation, physical measurement and experimental data.Develop new measurement procedures, simulation methodologies and analytical approaches.Work with optical, thermal and vibration measurement technologies to understand and optimise machine performance.Support the design, development and optimisation of complex mechatronic systems.Apply simulation and analytical findings to improve machine accuracy, stability, reliability and overall performance.Explore the application of AI and data-driven methods within machine analytics and simulation.Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, optics and R&D engineering teams.Work with universities, research institutes and external technology partners to develop new technologies and engineering methods.Mentor and develop engineers while promoting modern engineering practices and agile development methods.Candidate ProfileEducationDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Mechatronics, Computational Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.A doctorate/PhD in a relevant engineering discipline would be highly advantageous.Ideally, your academic or professional background includes the numerical and experimental analysis of machines and complex physical systems.Technical SkillsSeveral years of professional experience developing high-tech machinery, complex machines or technical systems.Excellent knowledge of numerical simulation and finite element (FE/FEM) methods.Strong experience in structural mechanics, dynamics, thermal simulation and/or fluid mechanics/CFD.Experience with multiphysics simulation and the interaction between thermal, mechanical and fluid behaviour is highly desirable.Strong understanding of machine dynamics, vibration, structural behaviour and thermal effects within complex machinery.Experience planning and evaluating experimental investigations on physical machines or systems.Strong knowledge of measurement technology, ideally including optical, thermal and vibration measurement techniques.Excellent understanding of the design and behaviour of mechatronic systems.Experience correlating and validating simulation models against physical measurements and real machine behaviour.Strong knowledge of CAD and FE/CAE software.Experience with SolidWorks and COMSOL Multiphysics is particularly desirable.Experience with other simulation environments such as ANSYS, Abaqus, MATLAB/Simulink, Modelica or similar is beneficial.Knowledge of AI, machine learning or data-driven engineering methods and their application to simulation or machine analytics is advantageous.Experience within special-purpose machinery, machine tools, precision engineering, optical systems, semiconductor equipment, automation, robotics or another high-tech machine environment would be highly relevant.Leadership & Professional SkillsPrevious experience leading, mentoring or coordinating interdisciplinary technical engineering teams.Strong technical leadership capabilities combined with a willingness to remain close to the engineering.Experience managing complex R&D and development projects.Familiarity with agile project management and development methodologies.Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.Ability to bridge the gap between simulation, physical machine behaviour, measurement and engineering development.Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines.Structured and methodical approach to complex technical challenges.High level of ownership, initiative and technical curiosity.Comfortable collaborating with external research organisations, universities and technology partners.LanguagesExcellent German and English communication skills.Willingness to travel internationally when required.What the Organisation OffersA senior leadership position within an established and internationally successful high-tech machine manufacturer.Opportunity to lead and further develop a specialist Machine Analytics & Simulation department.Work on sophisticated high-precision machinery and manufacturing technologies.Significant influence over the development of simulation, measurement and machine analytics technologies.Opportunity to combine advanced numerical simulation with experimental engineering on real machines.Close collaboration with experienced specialists across mechanical engineering, software, controls, electronics, optics and R&D.Collaboration with universities, research institutions and external technology partners.Long-term development opportunities within an innovative engineering environment.Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative company culture.If you are interested, please send your CV to Miles at miles.gurney@next-ventures.com. I look forward to hearing from you!