FEA Analyst / Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa LLC; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) retirement plan

Health, dental, vision

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Zen Sherpa LLC is seeking an experienced FEA Analyst to support advanced engineering simulations for heavy equipment and cranes. You will analyze structural mechanics, lead design efforts, and contribute to innovative projects across multiple industries.

The role requires 10+ years in mechanical engineering for cranes or heavy equipment, plus advanced FEA with ANSYS. Expect on-site work in Minnesota with up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• BSME or MSME with 5+ years hands-on FEA experience analyzing major heavy equipment components.
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in cranes, lifting systems, or heavy equipment.
• Advanced FEA experience with ANSYS strongly preferred.
• Strong background in structural mechanics, weldments, heavy steel structures, and load-bearing systems.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo/Pro/E.
• 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%.

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 experience

Crane systems knowledge

Team leadership

Education

BSME

MSME

Tools

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo/Pro-E

Job description

Travel: ~10% annuallyWe’re looking for a

On-site Travel: ~10% annuallyWe’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.