Meet the Team: Simulations Engineer – Jason Velardo

Simulations Engineers play a critical role in designing and developing Conflux’s cutting-edge thermal solutions. Meet Jason Velardo, PhD, a key member of our Simulations team, who shares what it’s like to work at the forefront of additive manufacturing.

Can you tell me about your role at Conflux?

In a typical day, I’m running CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulations. CFD is used for solving temperature, velocity and pressure of the flow – basically figuring out how big the heat exchanger needs to be, what geometry to use, and so on. FEA is more about checking the structural integrity under different loading conditions.  I work closely with the design team and the rest of the simulations team, finding the best solutions for each project.

We also have direct customer interaction, presenting results and discussing solutions. Every customer problem is different, so there’s a lot of collaboration, problem solving, and iteration. Every project is unique, which keeps it challenging and interesting.

What is your background, and how did you come to be at Conflux?

I completed a mechanical engineering degree at university, then specialised in thermal engineering during my PhD, which focused specifically on thermal management in electronic devices. It was a natural stepping stone to the work I do now at Conflux. After completing my PhD, I continued in research at RMIT before joining Conflux in 2022. I always had an interest in thermal management, and after COVID disrupted a job opportunity overseas, I was looking for a local opportunity. I reconnected with Conflux through Ian Fordyce (Conflux Head of R&D) who I knew from RMIT University, and it turned out to be a great fit because they were working in thermal management – which is pretty rare in Australia.

What skills have been most valuable in your role?

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial, along with an aptitude for maths, physics, and engineering fundamentals. Curiosity is also key, because you’re always facing new problems.

What’s the best thing about working at Conflux?

Definitely the technical challenge of solving real, complex problems. Every project stretches you because the customers and their requirements are always different – the customer breadth is incredible, which keeps things exciting. Plus, the constant opportunity to learn and grow is a big highlight.

If you had to sum Conflux up in three words, what would they be?

Collaboration. Excellence. Exciting.

How would you describe the culture at Conflux?

Supportive and very collaborative. Even though I work remotely most of the time, the team culture is still really strong. Everyone’s approachable including the executive group. There is a high focus on ‘team’ and it shows. The company culture is strong–even for those working remotely–and the leadership is accessible and supportive.

How does Conflux support your professional growth?

They give you ownership. You’re trusted to solve problems, lead meetings, and get on with it. They invest in you, whether that’s more responsibility or support for training. Your role expands as you show your value and interests.

What’s your advice for someone considering a career at Conflux?

It’s fast-paced and you’re constantly solving new challenges. You need to be detail-oriented, analytical, creative, resilient, and comfortable working through uncertainty. You must be able to communicate well, as team collaboration is such a strong aspect of the role. For the simulations team, a solid understanding of heat transfer is important, along with enjoying thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

What excites you most about the future of Conflux Technology?

The growth trajectory is exciting, expanding into new markets and solving increasingly diverse and complex technical challenges. It’s great to be at the forefront of additive manufacturing.