FEA Analyst / Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa LLC; Mounds View (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Paid holidays, PTO, and flexible time

401(k) retirement savings

Comprehensive health, dental, vision,

Disability protection

Job summary

Zen Sherpa LLC is seeking an experienced FEA Analyst to support advanced engineering simulations and mechanical design for complex machinery and heavy equipment. You will analyze structural mechanics, lead design efforts, and contribute to cutting-edge initiatives across industries.

The role requires extensive FEA experience, SolidWorks/Inventor/Creo proficiency, and the ability to travel up to 10%. On-site at our Little Canada, MN offices, you will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with

Qualifications

• BSME or MSME with substantial hands-on FEA experience on heavy equipment.
• 10+ years mechanical engineering exp. in cranes, lifting systems, or heavy machinery.
• Advanced FEA experience (ANSYS preferred).
• Strong structural mechanics and load-bearing systems background.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor or Creo for 3D models.
• Ability to produce well-documented FEA reports and design packages.
• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

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 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 expertise

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Engineering calculations

Team mentoring

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo/ProE

Job description

Travel: :10% annually
We're looking for a

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.

Requirements

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

Benefits

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