Parameters in a Simscape Fluids™ model of an actuation system are automatically tuned until the results of a simulation match measured data. The model consists of a hydraulic cylinder and a four-way directional valve, and the valve is run through the same test sequence as was used on prototype hardware. Using a UI provided by Simulink Design Optimization™, parameters for tuning are selected and the measured data is compared to the simulation results. Optimization algorithms tune the parameters until the difference between the simulation results and measured data is minimized.