What Do Simulation Engineers Need to Know About (Model- Based) Systems Engineering

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Published: Nov 13, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59972/fzvc41wt

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Alexander Busch
Ansys (Part of Synopsys), NAFEMS INCOSE Systems Modeling and Simulation Working Group (SMSWG)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0977-9439
Rod Dreisbach
NAFEMS Ltd., NAFEMS INCOSE Systems Modeling and Simulation Working Group (SMSWG)
Frank Popielas
SMSthinktank, Capvidia, NAFEMS INCOSE Systems Modeling and Simulation Working Group (SMSWG)

Abstract

As Simulation Engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), we often focus on solving complex technical challenges within a specific technical or physical domain by leveraging specific simulation approaches. However, to maximize the impact and integration of our work across all the engineering domains that are typically engaged in a project, it's essential to understand Systems Engineering (SE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices that are becoming increasingly more important in performing 21st century engineering projects.


Elaborating a NAFEMS World Congress (NWC) 2025 presentation and complementing a NAFEMS ASSESS Insights, webinar, this paper aims to minimize the gap between Simulation Engineers/SMEs and the realm of SE/MBSE by offering insights into how SE/MBSE/MBE ideas and practices can enhance collaboration between engineers and improve (modeling & simulation) project outcomes. It shows how the adoption of SE and MBSE concepts and approaches can help to manage complexity, ensure traceability, and integrate simulation models more effectively within larger system architectures and system models. By understanding core SE and MBSE principles, workflows, and tools, Simulation Engineers can improve communication with SE and within cross-functional teams, contribute to system-level requirements and technical concepts, and elevate the impact and value of their work in modern engineering projects.


Specifically, insights are provided on the following topics: SE and MBSE, key systems modeling language concepts relevant for simulation engineers such as Analysis, Verification, and TradeStudy, and integration of Engineering Simulation within SE and MBSE Frameworks. Furthermore, an outlook is provided on future trends and the evolving role of simulation engineers in the context of SE & MBSE.

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How to Cite
What Do Simulation Engineers Need to Know About (Model- Based) Systems Engineering. (2025). Engineering Modelling, Analysis and Simulation, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.59972/fzvc41wt
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Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Issue 3 – Articles in Press
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

What Do Simulation Engineers Need to Know About (Model- Based) Systems Engineering. (2025). Engineering Modelling, Analysis and Simulation, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.59972/fzvc41wt

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