Dr. Song L. Young is a visionary engineering leader and the Founder & CEO of Optimal, Inc., where he has spent more than 37 years advancing the state of automotive technology. Widely recognized for pioneering breakthroughs in computer-aided engineering (CAE), vehicle optimization, and simulation-driven product development, Dr. Young has shaped how modern OEMs design, engineer, and validate vehicles.
Under his leadership, Optimal has grown into a globally respected engineering and technology partner, known for its expertise in analytical benchmarking, lightweighting, EV development, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). His work has enabled major automotive manufacturers to accelerate innovation, enhance performance, and reduce development costs through sophisticated teardown analysis, 3D scanning, CAE modeling, and optimization methodologies.
Dr. Young began his career developing early crash simulation and sheet-metal forming software that would go on to be licensed by Ford, Chrysler, and other leading automakers. Throughout his career, he has founded and led multiple technology companies, including Optimal Corporation, which developed industry-leading electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical simulation tools before merging with Apache Design/ANSYS.
He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the University of Michigan and has served on engineering advisory committees for both the University of Michigan and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute. His contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the University of Michigan Outstanding Achievement Award and Entrepreneur of the Year.
A lifelong innovator, Dr. Young remains deeply committed to advancing automotive engineering through rigorous analysis, disciplined engineering processes, and a belief that technology and creativity together drive industry transformation.
Jeff Hiatt serves as Executive Vice President at Optimal, overseeing operational and commercial aspects of the North American business.
He was appointed to his role in August 2022 after joining Optimal as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing in December 2021. Prior to this, he held senior level roles in EnTrans International and REV Group.
Jeff started his career at Ingersoll Rand where he held various roles in the Club Car and Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies divisions.
He holds an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, Bachelor Degree in Management from Augusta University Hull School of Business, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Ingersoll Rand University.
