SIMULATION ENGINEER - JUNIOR

GA Drilling Ltd

GA Drilling Ltd

Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Posted on Jun 8, 2026

GA Drilling is developing next-generation drilling technologies to unlock geothermal energy anywhere on Earth. Our mission is to make geothermal a globally scalable, baseload source of clean power by enabling access to hard, hot rock at depths and temperatures that conventional drilling cannot reach economically.

We are looking for a Junior Simulation Engineer to help develop, run, and improve simulation models for mechanical, hydraulic, thermal, and downhole drilling systems. You will work with experienced engineers, receive technical guidance, and take responsibility for clearly scoped modeling, analysis, scripting, and reporting tasks.

You will be based at our Brazil office in Rio de Janeiro city - RJ.

The opportunity for you

You will work closely with engineers across simulation, mechanical design, testing, and product development. The role includes mentorship and technical review, but also expects you to manage assigned tasks, document assumptions, communicate blockers early, and turn analysis results into clear next steps.

Responsibilities

  1. Modeling & Simulation
    • Build and update simulation models using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Simscape.
    • Model physical systems across mechanical, hydraulic, and thermal domains under guidance from senior engineers.
    • Apply numerical methods to help predict system behavior and compare model outputs against expected results.
    • Prepare, run, and review finite element or fluid dynamics simulations using tools such as Ansys or OpenFOAM.
  2. Analysis, Tooling & Collaboration
    • Develop scripts and small tools for simulation workflows, data processing, and result visualization.
    • Analyze simulation outputs and summarize findings in clear technical reports.
    • Read engineering drawings, schematics, and requirements to translate physical systems into model inputs and assumptions.
    • Collaborate with engineers across disciplines on product development, testing, and failure analysis.
    • Follow health, safety, environmental, and quality procedures.

What we expect from you

  1. Experience & Technical Domain Knowledge
    • Degree, advanced coursework, or equivalent practical experience in mechanical, mechatronics, aerospace, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
    • Academic, internship, lab, or project experience with simulation, numerical methods, physics-based modeling, or engineering analysis.
    • Basic understanding of mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, system modeling, or numerical methods.
    • Programming ability in Python and C++ for engineering scripts, simulation workflows, and data processing.
    • Ability to read technical documentation, schematics, and engineering instructions.
    • Clear written and verbal communication for collaboration and technical reporting.
    • Ability to work in both Portuguese and English.
    • Analytical thinking, curiosity, and comfort asking for guidance when information is incomplete.
  2. Customer Interface & Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • • Willingness to engage with engineering teams, test personnel, and — under guidance — customer-facing activities to support testing and troubleshooting.
    • • Clear communication skills, with the ability to capture test observations and translate them into structured notes and engineering feedback.
  3. Execution, Testing & Operational Excellence
    • Attention to detail and a disciplined approach to testing, documentation, and following configuration control practices.
    • Ability to take ownership of clearly scoped tasks and see them through from preparation to close-out, asking for guidance when needed.
    • Eagerness to contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions, learning from test and field results.
    • Comfort working in fast-moving, technically challenging environments while maintaining rigor in your work.
  4. Professional Mindset & Working Style
    • Hands-on, practical mindset with a strong bias toward action and problem solving.
    • Comfortable working on the shop floor, in test environments, and in the field as required, including occasional travel.
    • Strong safety and quality focus, with respect for procedures and an open mindset as systems and processes mature.
    • Adaptable and resilient, with an interest in early-stage and transitioning-to-commercial technology environments.

Nice to have

  • Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, or Simscape.
  • Exposure to Ansys, OpenFOAM, finite element analysis, or computational fluid dynamics.
  • Experience validating model results against tests, hand calculations, or expected system behavior.
  • Interest in geothermal energy, drilling systems, or high-temperature downhole environments.

What we offer:

  • Opportunity to develop unique and innovative technological solutions which have the potential to change the world.
  • The satisfaction of solving challenges associated with making ultra-deep geothermal energy a commercial reality.
  • Be part of an experienced, global and highly motivated team.
  • Collaborate with the world’s top industry players.
  • Competitive industry compensation & benefits.