FEA Analyst

Mettle Ops; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Mettle Ops is seeking an experienced FEA Analyst to perform advanced engineering analysis and simulations for defense-related mechanical systems. The role requires developing and executing structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to support design decisions, product improvements, and program deliverables.

Collaboration with design teams and program personnel is essential for risk reduction and validation. The ideal candidate has strong technical judgment, mentoring ability, and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Master’s preferred.
• 7–10 years of professional engineering experience with significant FEA and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and document finite element analyses for mechanical components, assemblies, structures, and systems.
• Perform structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, fatigue, and other applicable analyses.
• Build, modify, and validate detailed FEA models using engineering software.
• Evaluate stresses, strains, deformation, fatigue life, vibration response, and thermal performance.
• Interpret results and provide design improvement recommendations.
• Coordinate with design engineers to address structural and reliability concerns.
• Prepare technical reports documenting methodology, inputs, results, and conclusions.
• Ensure modeling assumptions and acceptance criteria are clearly communicated.

Skills

FEA

Simulation

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

Dynamic analysis

CAD software

MATLAB

Python

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Master's Degree

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

LS-DYNA

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About the Organization Mettle Ops is a woman-owned business experienced in defense program management, federal acquisitions, business development, engineering, analysis, reporting, and risk management with the mission of helping soldiers survive on the battlefield. Through transparency and grit, Mettle Ops delivers multidisciplinary, comprehensive Department of Defense engineering solutions to government and industry partners on a national scale with a mission to build business based on a philosophy of hard work and dedication. Mettle Ops believes they have a high obligation to the warfighter, their home state of Michigan, their customers, their employees, their faith, and their place on this earth. Mettle Ops is inspired by courage and tenacity and so-named Mettle Ops.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

Purpose

The FEA Analyst is responsible for performing advanced engineering analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) and simulation techniques to support the design, development, evaluation, and validation of mechanical systems, structures, and components.

This position independently develops and executes structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to evaluate product performance, safety, reliability, and durability. The FEA Analyst works closely with design engineers, engineering leadership, and program personnel to identify engineering risks, develop simulation models, interpret results, and provide recommendations that support design decisions and product improvements.

The position may support government and defense programs by providing engineering analysis for product development, qualification, testing, and contract deliverables. The successful candidate will have strong technical judgment, experience with complex engineering problems, and the ability to clearly communicate technical findings to both engineering and management audiences.

Tasks

• Develop, execute, and document finite element analyses for mechanical components, assemblies, structures, and systems.
• Perform structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, fatigue, and other applicable engineering analyses.
• Develop appropriate simulation methodologies based on product requirements, loading conditions, material properties, boundary conditions, and intended operating environments.
• Build, modify, and validate detailed FEA models using applicable engineering software.
• Evaluate stresses, strains, deformation, fatigue life, vibration response, thermal performance, and other relevant performance characteristics.
• Interpret analysis results and provide technically sound recommendations for design improvements, risk reduction, and product optimization.
• Work directly with design engineers to evaluate proposed designs and identify potential structural, material, performance, and reliability concerns.
• Provide technical input during design reviews, development activities, troubleshooting efforts, and engineering decision-making.
• Validate analytical models and results through comparison with physical test data, engineering calculations, empirical data, and other appropriate methods.
• Establish appropriate modeling assumptions, analysis methods, mesh strategies, loading conditions, and acceptance criteria.
• Identify limitations and potential sources of error within analysis models and clearly communicate their impact on results.
• Perform root-cause analysis and simulation-based troubleshooting of engineering and product performance issues.
• Evaluate materials, structural configurations, joints, interfaces, and other design features to determine expected performance and failure modes.
• Support product development, qualification, verification, and validation activities through engineering analysis.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting analysis methodology, assumptions, inputs, results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Review engineering analysis performed by other team members for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of analysis models, assumptions, inputs, outputs, results, and supporting calculations.
• Ensure analysis activities comply with applicable engineering standards, specifications, customer requirements, and program requirements.
• Support government and defense contract deliverables requiring engineering analysis, technical reporting, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with engineering, program management, manufacturing, testing, and other technical teams to resolve engineering issues and support program objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to less-experienced engineers and analysts.
• Research and implement improved analysis techniques, modeling methodologies, and engineering tools as appropriate.
• Assist with additional engineering analysis, development, and technical support activities as required.

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Master's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.

Experience

• 7–10 years of professional engineering experience with significant experience in finite element analysis and engineering simulation.
• Demonstrated experience independently developing and executing FEA for complex mechanical systems, structures, and components.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting analysis results and translating findings into practical engineering recommendations.
• Experience supporting product development, qualification, verification, validation, or testing activities.
• Experience working collaboratively with design engineers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience with government or defense-related programs is preferred.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to less-experienced engineers is preferred.

Skill Requirements

Basic Skill Requirements:

• Engineering and Technology – Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, procedures, and practices used in the analysis and development of mechanical systems and structures.
• Finite Element Analysis – Advanced knowledge of FEA methodology, including model development, meshing, material properties, contacts, boundary conditions, loading, solver setup, convergence, and interpretation of results.
• Mechanics – Advanced knowledge of mechanics, structural behavior, stresses, strains, deformation, fatigue, and material behavior.
• Mathematics – Strong knowledge of calculus, differential equations, statistics, and mathematical methods applicable to engineering analysis.
• Physics – Strong understanding of mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, vibration, and other physical principles applicable to engineering analysis.
• Computers and Engineering Software – Proficiency with engineering analysis, simulation, modeling, and CAD software.
• Design – Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and the relationship between design decisions and structural/performance requirements.
• Critical Thinking – Ability to evaluate complex technical information, identify risks and limitations, and determine appropriate analytical approaches.
• Complex Problem Solving – Ability to independently identify, analyze, and resolve complex engineering problems.
• Reading Comprehension – Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, requirements, technical publications, test data, and engineering documentation.
• Writing – Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and technically sound engineering reports and documentation.
• Speaking – Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to engineers, management, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Ability to make sound technical judgments based on analysis results, engineering principles, available data, and program requirements.
• Active Learning – Ability to evaluate and adopt new analysis methods, technologies, software, and engineering practices.

Knowledge

• Engineering and Technology – Advanced knowledge of engineering principles including structural analysis, material behavior, mechanical system design, and product development.
• Finite Element Analysis – Advanced knowledge of FEA theory, methodology, model development, validation, and results interpretation.
• Mathematics – Knowledge of calculus, differential equations, statistics, and numerical methods used in engineering analysis.
• Physics – Knowledge of mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, vibration, and materials behavior.
• Materials – Knowledge of material properties, failure mechanisms, fatigue, and material selection as they relate to structural performance.
• Computers and Electronics – Knowledge of engineering software, computational methods, and systems used for simulation, modeling, and analysis.
• Design – Knowledge of engineering design principles, mechanical systems, technical drawings, and product development processes.
• Testing and Validation – Understanding of physical testing methods and the correlation of analytical models to test results.
• Engineering Standards – Knowledge of applicable engineering standards, specifications, and customer requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA, or similar.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or similar.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other engineering programming/automation tools.
• Experience performing nonlinear, transient, dynamic, thermal, fatigue, or vibration analysis.
• Experience with model correlation and validation using physical test data.
• Experience with aerospace, defense, UAS, automotive, or other highly regulated engineering environments.
• Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, MIL-STD, or other applicable engineering standards.
• Experience working with government customers and/or defense contract requirements.
• Experience reviewing technical work and providing mentorship to junior engineers or analysts.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Salary $95,000 - $115,000

This position is currently accepting applications.