Business Details
43 Years
experience
Expert Railroad Engineering Solutions Partner
Sims Professional Engineers has been a trusted partner in the railroad transportation industry since 1983. Founded by Roger D. Sims, a rail industry veteran with over 50 years of experience, we specialize in rail car design, structural analysis, and regulatory compliance consulting. Our team of seasoned engineers and project managers delivers tailored solutions using cutting-edge technology while maintaining personalized client relationships. We prioritize meeting client needs for performance, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with Federal and AAR standards. Our services span from concept development to detailed engineering, finite element analysis, and dynamic testing.With a legacy of innovation and reliability, we serve clients across the United States and globally. Our commitment to excellence ensures every project receives comprehensive expertise, from initial design to final implementation. We focus on creating cost-effective, durable, and efficient solutions that exceed industry expectations. Our multidisciplinary approach covers structural analysis, compliance certification, and specialized testing for freight cars and maintenance-of-way equipment. This enduring philosophy of client-centric engineering continues to drive our work today.
Services
Rail Car Design
Structural Analysis
Compliance Consulting
Finite Element Analysis
Dynamic Analysis
Tank Car Services
Maintenance of Way Services
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized railroad industry engineering expertise
- Our team provides comprehensive design-to-compliance engineering services
- We utilize advanced finite element analysis and NUCARS simulation technology
- Our engineers maintain direct relationships with clients throughout projects
- We serve clients across the US and internationally with proven reliability
What people say
Skilled in their fields
Timely turn around
Knowledgeable in industry standards
Detailed thorough analyses
Enjoyable to work with
Services
Rail Car Design
We develop optimized rail car designs from concept to detailed engineering drawings. Our team ensures compliance with Federal and AAR standards while focusing on cost-effectiveness and durability. Services include structural design modifications, weight optimization, and manufacturability assessments for freight cars.
Finite Element Analysis
Our engineers perform advanced stress and structural analysis using finite element modeling. This includes 2D/3D solid modeling, static/dynamic loading simulations, and failure analysis to verify design integrity before manufacturing or resolve field issues.
Compliance Consulting
We specialize in AAR compliance services including brake system design, suspension analysis, and Rule 88 applications. Our experts also handle FRA compliance for maintenance-of-way equipment and load certification for lifting structures.
Dynamic Analysis
Using NUCARS and other simulation tools, we analyze vehicle performance characteristics including stability, ride quality, and wheel/rail interactions. Our services cover pitch/bounce analysis, modal analysis, and high-speed stability assessments for rail transportation systems.
Tank Car Services
Our tank car specialists provide design analysis, compliance certification, and failure investigation services. We ensure tank car designs meet regulatory requirements while optimizing for safety, efficiency, and operational performance in freight transportation.
People
Keith A. Miller
Vice President of Engineering, Co-Owner
Experienced engineering leader with extensive expertise in railroad transportation systems and structural analysis. Oversees technical operations and strategic direction for engineering projects.
Suzanne L. Babusiak
Director of Engineering, Co-Owner
Engineering management professional with deep knowledge of rail car design and compliance standards. Leads engineering teams in delivering client-focused solutions for complex transportation challenges.
Cody S. Kasten
Engineering Supervisor, Analysis
Specializes in advanced engineering analysis techniques including finite element modeling and dynamic simulations for rail vehicle performance assessment and optimization.
Dan H. Thompson
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering professional applying analytical skills to rail transportation design challenges and compliance verification processes for freight car systems.
Brian F. Board
Tank Car Specialist
Specialized engineer focusing on tank car design requirements, compliance certification, and structural analysis for hazardous materials transportation applications.
Questions
What engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in rail car design, structural analysis, finite element modeling, compliance consulting, and dynamic performance analysis for railroad transportation systems.
How do you ensure regulatory compliance?
Our engineers provide AAR and FRA compliance services including Rule 88 applications, brake system design, suspension analysis, and load certification for rail equipment.
What makes your firm different from others?
With 40+ years of railroad industry experience, we combine deep technical expertise with personalized service and advanced analysis tools for tailored engineering solutions.
Can you help with international projects?
Yes, we have experience with international applications and provide engineering services that meet global rail transportation standards and requirements.
How do you handle complex engineering challenges?
We use a combination of classical analysis techniques and modern tools like NUCARS simulations and finite element analysis to solve complex rail transportation engineering problems.
