Swanson is the founder of ANSYS, Inc., a John Fritz Medal winner, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
While there he used and developed computer codes to model and predict transient stresses and displacements of the reactor system.
Developing a 3-D analysis model, he wished to integrate different computer codes in order to streamline the processing, but left Westinghouse in 1969 when he was not supported in his endeavors.
[1] The software became an industry leader for assisting engineers and designers in optimizing product development processes in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, manufacturing and electronics industries by simulating how products will function in real life.
The company eventually grew to employ 4,000 employees and distributes products through a network of business partners in more than 40 countries.
[citation needed] Swanson is a consultant and trainer in the field of engineering simulation at ANSYS.
[12] On May 19, 2012, Swanson delivered the keynote address at the 213th Commencement ceremony at Washington & Jefferson College and received an honorary degree.