Engineering alumnus honored for impact in tech industry

Jim Cashman was CEO of top engineering simulation software company

With more than 40 years of experience in technical computing, enterprise software, and engineering simulation, University of Cincinnati alumnus Jim Cashman’s career has spanned leadership roles at the forefront of the tech industry. During his 22-year tenure at ANSYS, including 16 years as CEO, he grew the company into the global leader in engineering simulation software, and helped organizations from Tesla to NASA innovate through virtual prototypes.

Cashman was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Cincinnati Alumni Association and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. The award honors a distinguished graduate whose career reflects the college’s commitment to excellence, achievement and service.

Jim Cashman poses with CEAS Dean John Weidner and UC President Neville Pinto

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Jim Cashman was awarded the UC CEAS Lifetime Achievement Award and celebrated with CEAS Dean John Weidner, left, and UC President Neville Pinto. Photo/Kevin Watkins

Before launching his career, Cashman attended UC, where his affinity for math and physics led him to pursue an engineering degree. He was drawn to UC for the renowned cooperative education (co-op) program, which allowed him to gain valuable work experience while earning tuition money. A skilled soccer player, Cashman was awarded scholarship support and the opportunity to play on UC’s new men’s soccer team, where he was team captain for three years. While a student, he also nurtured his love of music, taking elective courses at UC’s College Conservatory of Music.

Cashman is a Bearcat to his core. He has three degrees from UC, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1976 and his master’s in 1979. He earned his MBA in 1982.

As a UC engineering student, Cashman worked as a co-op employee for the Structural Dynamics Research Corporation, a computer-aided engineering company that has ties to UC faculty. Once he graduated, he joined the startup full-time as one of the early employees and was quickly thrown into working on advanced projects like vibration analysis for automotive manufacturers. Learning on the job, he thrived in a fast-paced, innovative environment that would lay the groundwork for his career in engineering simulation and technology.

“It was one of the first of the high-tech startups and it was a great learning experience that served as an upward spiral for me,” Cashman said. “The experience I gained there influenced the rest of my life, even today.”

While at the company, Cashman held management positions in the areas of international sales, major accounts and market development, and product management. His efforts contributed to making the Structural Dynamics Research Corporation one of the premier CAD software suppliers and the company grew to more than $400 million in revenues during his tenure.

Cashman went on to become a founder of Metaphase Technology, which became the leader in product data management. At PAR Technology Corporation, Cashman was vice president for international operations, marketing, and software development.

a group of professors and students pose in a large college lecture hall

Alumnus Jim Cashman recently presented a lecture to share his expertise to College of Engineering and Applied Science students and faculty on campus. Photo/Provided

For more than two decades, Cashman helped grow ANSYS, where he was instrumental in promoting simulation-driven product development, allowing companies to build virtual prototypes and reduce costly physical testing.

As the CEO of ANSYS from 2000 to 2016, Cashman played a pivotal role in growing the company from $50 million to over $1 billion in annual revenue, becoming a top-5 ranked public tech company. ANSYS engineering simulation software and technologies are widely used by engineers and designers across a broad spectrum of industries, from aerospace and automotive to electronics. Most recently, Cashman was Executive Chairman of ANSYS from 2016 until his retirement in 2019.

Cashman took great pride in working in a team-oriented environment and being involved in building something of significance.

“You really couldn’t name a company or product that we didn’t influence at some point,” Cashman said of his time at ANSYS. “It’s just absolutely cool to be associated with that.”

Having traveled the globe extensively, Cashman still makes a habit of stopping to visit past classmates, customers and colleagues that have become friends over the years.

His impact is felt not only in the engineering and technology world, but also in the many lives he has touched through his extensive mentoring and philanthropic efforts.

Passionate about helping guide future leaders, Cashman has served as a mentor for the entrepreneurship fellows program at the University of Pittsburgh and served on the President’s Advisory Council at Carnegie Mellon University. He chaired the Pittsburgh Technology Council for 10 years and is actively involved in philanthropic efforts like Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement. Cashman is a member of the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and he serves as Chairman of the Board of Certara. He also serves in a mentoring role to other early stage technology companies.

Throughout his career, Cashman maintained strong ties to UC. He has returned for key events and advised on collaborative initiatives between academia and industry, including serving as an advisor to the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Featured image at top: Three-time UC graduate Jim Cashman made a significant impact in the field of simulation software. Photo/Kevin Watkins

Jim Cashman poses with family and friends at awards dinner

Alumnus Jim Cashman was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at an event in November, where he celebrated with family and friends. Photo/Kevin Watkins

The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science is honoring alumnus William J Kramer Jr. with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest alumni honor. Bill Kramer led General Tool Company for 50 years and was supportive of engineering students through committees to raise funds for scholarships and by hosting more than 100 co-op students through the years.

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