FEA Analyst / Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa LLC; North Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous time off (PTO)

401(k) plan

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Disability protection

Job summary

Zen Sherpa LLC in Minnesota seeks an experienced FEA Analyst to support advanced engineering simulations and mechanical design for heavy equipment and high-capacity structures. You will analyze structural mechanics of complex systems and lead design efforts across industries.

The role requires advanced FEA skills (ANSYS preferred), hands‑on experience with cranes and lifting devices, and proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo.

Qualifications

• BSME with extensive FEA experience on heavy equipment components.
• 10+ years’ mechanical engineering in cranes or heavy machinery.
• Advanced FEA experience; ANSYS preferred.
• Strong background in structural mechanics, weldments, and load-bearing systems.
• Proficient with SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo; able to produce documented calculations and reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform FEA simulations (linear, nonlinear, buckling, fatigue) using ANSYS or equivalent.
• Analyze crane structures, lifting beams, rigging components, and heavy systems.
• Develop 3D models and drawings 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 and field technicians.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to design reviews.

Skills

FEA analysis

Structural mechanics

Heavy equipment design

Calculations & reports

Mentoring

Education

BSME with 10+ years

MSME with 5+ years

Tools

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo/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.