FEA Analyst / Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa LLC; Little Canada (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous PTO

401(k) plan

Health insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Zen Sherpa LLC seeks an experienced FEA Analyst to advance engineering simulations and mechanical design for heavy equipment and high-capacity structures. You will analyze structural mechanics, lead design efforts, and support multiple engineering programs across industries.

The role requires advanced FEA experience (ANSYS preferred), proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo, and travel up to ~10%. On-site work in Minnesota with opportunities to mentor teammates and influence design reviews.

Qualifications

• BSME with 10+ years or MSME with 5+ years of hands-on FEA experience.
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in cranes, lifting systems, or heavy mechanical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform FEA simulations (linear, nonlinear, contact, buckling, fatigue, large-deflection) using ANSYS or similar tools.
• Analyze and validate crane structures, lifting beams, rigging components, and heavy mechanical systems.
• Develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo.
• Conduct hand calculations to verify FEA results and support design decisions.
• Lead mechanical design from concept through prototype, testing, and field implementation.
• Support customers with rapid engineering assessments and problem-solving.
• Generate engineering reports, test plans, and work packs for fabrication and field execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, fabricators, and field technicians.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design reviews and process improvements.

Skills

FEA analysis

ANSYS

Structural mechanics

SolidWorks

Pro/E/Creo

Heavy equipment

Engineering calculations

Leadership mentoring

Education

BSME

MSME

Tools

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Inventor

Cre o/Pro-E

Job description

On-site Travel: ~10% annually

We’re looking for a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Analyst to support advanced engineering simulations and mechanical design work for complex machinery, heavy equipment, and high‑capacity structures. Your work directly impacts product performance, safety, and innovation across our customers’ engineering programs.

You’ll analyze and improve the structural mechanics of mechanical systems, lead design efforts, and contribute to cutting‑edge engineering initiatives across multiple industries.

What You’ll Do

• Perform FEA simulations (linear, nonlinear, contact, buckling, fatigue, large‑deflection) using ANSYS or similar tools
• Analyze and validate crane structures, lifting beams, rigging components, and heavy mechanical systems
• Develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo
• Conduct hand calculations to verify FEA results and support design decisions
• Lead mechanical design from concept through prototype, testing, and field implementation
• Support customers with rapid engineering assessments and problem‑solving
• Generate engineering reports, test plans, and work packs for fabrication and field execution
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, fabricators, and field technicians
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design reviews and process improvements

Must‑Have Qualifications

• BSME 10+ years or MSME with 5+ years of hands‑on, demonstrated FEA experience with the analysis of major components of heavy equipment that could be mobile or stationary equipment
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in cranes, lifting systems, or heavy mechanical equipment
• Advanced FEA experience (ANSYS strongly preferred)
• Strong background in structural mechanics, weldments, heavy steel structures, and load‑bearing systems
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Pro/E/Creo
• Demonstrated ability to produce well‑documented calculations, FEA reports, and design packages
• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder
• Ability to travel up to ~10%

Preferred Experience

• Designing cranes, hoists, lifting beams, gantries, or high‑capacity structures
• Experience with hydraulic or mechanical powertrain systems
• Familiarity with offshore, industrial, or construction lifting environments
• Knowledge of ASME B30, API, DNV, ABS or similar standards
• Hands‑on exposure to fabrication, testing, or field commissioning

Work Environment

• On-site at our Little Canada, MN offices
• Occasional travel to customer sites, fabrication shops, or test facilities
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and field personnel

We value our team's well-being and offer a robust benefits package to support your professional and personal growth:

• Competitive Compensation:An attractive base salary, commensurate with experience.
• Generous Time Off:Paid holidays, PTO, and flexible time off to recharge and maintain work-life balance.
• Retirement Savings:401(k) plan to secure your future.
• Health and Wellness:Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Disability Protection:Short-term and long-term disability plans for peace of mind.