# S6E46 Rick James | ANSYS & Engineering Simulation

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2025-11-14
- Length: 50m
- Episode: 46
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation

## Summary

Rick James, CEO of SimuTech Group, discusses the evolution of engineering simulation, the strategic value of specializing in the ANSYS platform, and the integration of AI and Python into modern workflows. He explains how SimuTech grew through acquisitions to become a leading partner, helping clients move simulation from a late-stage validation tool to an upfront design driver. James also shares practical advice for engineers on learning simulation, the shift from local hardware to cloud computing, and the importance of balancing simulation with physical testing.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation#t=0) Introduction and Rick James's Background
- [6:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation#t=374) SimuTech's Growth and ANSYS Partnership Strategy
- [15:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation#t=931) The Evolution of Simulation in Product Development
- [22:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation#t=1349) Workflow Integration and Python Automation
- [31:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation#t=1885) AI in Simulation and Future Trends
- [39:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation#t=2369) Learning Simulation and Hardware Requirements

## Topics

- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- SimuTech Group (company)
- ANSYS (tool)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- Sulzer (company)
- Ozen Engineering (company)
- Siemens (company)
- PTC (company)
- Nvidia (company)
- CFD (tool)
- FEA (tool)
- Python (tool)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- Creo (tool)
- MATLAB (tool)
- NASTRAN (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How Simulation Technology is Reshaping Product Design w/ Dr. Masha Petrova](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-05-21-how-simulation-technology-is-reshaping-product-design-w-dr-masha-petrova) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Additive Manufacturing, Then & Now: A Conversation with Alex Oster, Autodesk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-06-17-additive-manufacturing-then-now-a-conversation-with-alex-oster-autodesk) (Additive Snack)
- [Simulation as an Enabler: Pan Michaleris & Erik Denlinger on the Evolution of Additive FEA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit) (Additive Snack)
- [The Sims for Founders: What Agent-First Companies Actually Look Like](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-03-31-the-sims-for-founders-what-agent-first-companies-actually-look-like) (Built 2 Scale)
- [190: Why Manufacturers Should Build a Simulation-First Culture with Visual Components' Graham Wloch](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-06-18-190-why-manufacturers-should-build-a-simulation-first-culture-with-visual-compon) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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