Dynamic FEA Engineer 2

Safran; Gainesville (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Seats seeks a Dynamic FEA Engineer to perform advanced simulations of mechanical systems for aircraft seating. You will ensure structural integrity, investigate dynamic responses, and collaborate with the engineering team to optimize designs.

The role requires MS/BS in mechanical/aerospace/aeronautical engineering with hands-on experience in LS-Dyna, Radioss, and Altair HyperWorks. Strong communication and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related.
• 2 years of FEA experience with LS-Dyna or Radioss; experience with Altair HyperWorks; NASTRAN/ABAQUS preferred.
• Strong background in basic structural engineering and fatigue methods; FEA experience with LS-Dyna or Radioss; HyperWorks; NASTRAN/ABAQUS preferred.
• Knowledge of stochastic/statistical tools (DOE) and optimization tools; knowledge of composites; knowledge of seat belt modeling; FAA Part 25 familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform dynamic FEA simulations to assess structural behavior under dynamic loading.
• Inspect CAD data before meshing; independently mesh components and conduct quality checks.
• Set up static, quasi-static and dynamic impact analyses (16/14G) using Altair tools and LS-PrePost.
• Analyze test data and update FE models for improvements and correlation with tests.
• Ensure FE models comply with industry standards, best practices, and customer requirements.
• Interpret results, identify design weaknesses, and communicate recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support design guidelines and validation procedures.
• Generate technical reports and presentations conveying analysis findings and modifications.
• Stay updated on latest dynamic FEA methodologies and apply them to improve efficiency.

Skills

FEA analysis

LS-Dyna

Radioss

Altair HyperWorks

NASTRAN/ABAQUS

Fatigue analysis

Composite materials

Seat belt modeling

Kinematics of dummy models

Topology optimization

ProE/CATIA

Strong communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related

Tools

LS-Dyna

Radioss

Altair HyperWorks

NASTRAN

ABAQUS

OptiStruct

CATIA

ProE

Job description

As a member of Safran Seats, you contribute to providing over one million seats to airlines worldwide, ensuring superior quality, comfort, and innovation. Your role involves collaborating with a team to develop high-value solutions for passengers and crews. Safran is one of the few OEMs offering a comprehensive range of passenger seats, from economy to first class, allowing you to take pride in creating impressive seating options for various needs.

1. Occupational Summary (Position Objective & Authorities)

Objective: Dynamic FEA Engineer are responsible for performing advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations and analyses to evaluate the dynamic behavior and performance of mechanical systems. This position works closely with our engineering team to ensure the structural integrity, reliability, and performance optimization of our products and will work under limited supervision of Lead FEA Engineers.

2. Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

• A) Conduct dynamic FEA simulations and analyses to assess the structural behavior and response of mechanical systems under various dynamic loading conditions.
• B) Responsible for inspecting the CAD data received from designers prior to the inception of meshing.
• C) Independently meshing the components using Altair tools and responsible for the quality checks defined per internal design validation guidelines for meshing at Safran Seats USA
• D) Set up the model for static, quasi static and Dynamic impact simulation for 16 and 14G loading conditions using Altair tools and/or LS-Prepost .
• E) Analyze the test data to implement proper engineering approach into the FE model for further improvements.
• F) Ensure that FEA models and simulations comply with industry standards, best practices, and customer requirements.
• G) Analyze and interpret FEA results to identify potential design flaws, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Validate model with test and establish correlation
• H) Perform FEA on detail parts and assemblies to verify compliance with structural and occupant Safety Requirements.
• I) Develop and implement appropriate modeling techniques, boundary conditions, and material properties to accurately simulate real-world dynamic scenarios with limited supervision.
• G) Perform necessary linear/non-linear static analysis and dynamic simulation.
• H) Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the development of design guidelines, testing protocols, and validation procedures.
• I) Generate comprehensive technical reports and presentations to communicate analysis findings, recommendations, and design modifications.
• J) Validate model and establish correlation.
• K) Comply with Safran Seats USA procedures (QAP) and certification internal procedures.
• L) Provides status and schedule updates to department head and other appropriate entities on a regular basis.
• M) Stay updated on the latest advancements in dynamic FEA methodologies, tools, and techniques, and apply them to enhance analysis capabilities and efficiency.
• N) Performs other duties as assigned.

3. Qualification Requirements

A. Education & Qualification-

• Must have a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Aeronautical Engineering or related.
• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Aeronautical Engineering or related.

B. Work Experience - Technical knowledge-

• With Masters degree requires 2 years of Finite Element Analysis related experience using LS-Dyna or Radioss. In addition, must have experience using Altair HyperWorks suite. Prefer experience with NASTRAN or ABAQUS.
• With Bachelors degree requires 3 years of Finite Element Analysis related experience using LS-Dyna or Radioss. In addition, must have experience using Altair HyperWorks suite. Prefer experience with NASTRAN or ABAQUS.

C. Professional Skills-

• Must have a strong background in basic structural engineering such as free body diagrams and strength of materials.
• Must have broad understanding of finite element analysis and fatigue methods.
• Must have FEA experience using LS-Dyna or Radioss. In addition, must have experience using Altair HyperWorks suite. Experience with NASTRAN or ABAQUS is preferred.
• Knowledge of stochastic/statistical tools (DOE) and Optimization tools is preferred.
• Knowledge of composites is preferred.
• Knowledge of seat belt modeling is required
• Must be well-versed in understand the kinematic of hybrid II/III dummy model.
• Knowledge of topology along with weight and shape optimization using Opti-Struct is preferred.
• Must have strong mechanical aptitude.
• Must be able to communicate efficiently in writing and verbally.
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment.
• Must be able to generate technical reports.
• Must be willing to perform tests and some physical work at the test laboratory, as required.
• Knowledge of FAA (Part 25) and airframes manufacturer requirements is preferred but not mandatory.
• Basic ProE/CATIA skill is preferred.
• Must have the ability to generate written communication and to operate required office equipment.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present analysis findings to stakeholders.