John Clymer

Dr. John Clymer has dedicated his life to advancing the theory and practice of systems engineering, simulation, and complex system analysis. His career bridges academia, government, and industry, leaving a legacy of innovation in how engineers approach design, evaluation, and requirements analysis for systems operating in dynamic environments.

Early Life and Education

John Clymer received his BSEE and MSEE degrees from Iowa State University in 1964 and 1966. Shortly afterward, he joined the General Electric Computer Equipment Division in the Systems Engineering Department, where he worked from 1966 to 1971. During this period, he pursued further studies at Arizona State University, earning his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in May 1971.

Advancing Naval Systems Analysis

Upon completing his doctorate, Clymer joined the Fleet Analysis Center (FLTAC), where he worked from 1971 to 1982. At FLTAC, he developed advanced computer simulation models of fleet operations, using fleet exercise data to evaluate battle readiness, survivability, and combat effectiveness. This work laid the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of simulation-based evaluation of complex systems.

Academic Career and Consulting

In 1982, Clymer transitioned into academia, joining the Electrical Engineering faculty at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Over nearly three decades, he taught Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Systems Engineering at the master’s level. His teaching was deeply enriched by extensive industry consulting, including work with Rockwell Mission Analysis Group, Hughes Naval Systems Engineering Group, and the Navy Dahlgren Systems Engineering Laboratory.

Through this consulting work, Clymer introduced his students to real-world systems engineering challenges, blending theory with practice. He retired from teaching in July 2009, though he continues to consult, research, and publish in the area of systems science.

Publications and Contributions to Systems Engineering

Clymer’s influence on the field is closely tied to his publications and development of practical tools for engineers.

In 1980, he self-published Operational Evaluation Modeling (OpEM), a text supporting his course in Simulation-Based Engineering of Complex Systems.
From 1984 to 1990, while consulting with Rockwell (later Boeing), he expanded his simulation tool kits to support Simulation-Based Systems Engineering (SBSE), incorporating expert-system decision making and rule-based controllers.
In 1990, he published Systems Analysis Using Simulation and Markov Models with Prentice Hall, which formalized his approach to requirements analysis through executable models.
In 2009, his book Simulation-Based Engineering of Complex Systems was published by Wiley in the Systems Engineering and Management Series. This hands-on text remains a key reference for practitioners of SBSE.

Vision for Simulation-Based Systems Engineering (SBSE)

Clymer has long argued that traditional requirements analysis is fraught with ambiguity due to the differing languages and thought processes of stakeholders and engineers. He observed that many initial requirements are extraneous or counterproductive, often preventing optimal system design.

Through SBSE, these ambiguities can be resolved. By modeling systems in dynamic operational environments, engineers and stakeholders can engage in a structured dialogue that reveals the real problem and enables development of the best solution. His graphical simulation languages provide a common medium of communication that reduces misunderstandings and fosters innovation.

Although some engineers resist executable models—preferring conceptual descriptions that avoid rigorous definition—Clymer emphasizes that simulation requires explicitness. With graphical, icon-based simulation tools, he has shown that engineers can achieve the benefits of executable models while minimizing the burden of programming.

Ongoing Research and Reflections

Though retired from academia, Clymer continues his intellectual pursuits. He remains engaged in consulting and research, and is currently exploring the differential geometry of smooth manifolds. While he acknowledges that writing technical books is difficult and rarely lucrative in the small systems engineering market, he has hinted that his next publication may be a novel, signaling a creative turn in his career.

Legacy

Dr. John Clymer’s career reflects a deep commitment to bridging engineering practice, simulation, and systems science. From his early work with the U.S. Navy to his decades of teaching at CSUF, he has consistently advanced methods to make system analysis more rigorous, transparent, and effective. His books, toolkits, and thought leadership in Simulation-Based Systems Engineering continue to shape how engineers approach complex challenges today.