FEA Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Certification assistance

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, Inc. is seeking an experienced FEA Mechanical Analysis Engineer to join our aerospace engineering team in Cincinnati. You will lead FEA efforts for aircraft engines components, ensuring performance, reliability, and safety.

The role requires 8+ years in gas-turbine/turbo-machinery design, BS/MS in mechanical/aerospace engineering, and strong ANSYS skills. On-site work with opportunities to mentor and drive process improvements.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering from an accredited university.
• 8+ years in the mechanical design of Gas-turbine or Turbo-machinery components.
• Experience with ANSYS (Classic or Workbench), structural mechanics fundamentals, nonlinear/contact analysis, fatigue, and model verification.
• Prepare analysis plans, methodologies, results, and formal FEA reports; interpret results independently.
• Participate in technical/design reviews and respond to reviewer or customer comments.
• Ability to read technical drawings with GD&T understanding.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks.
• Strong communication with all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for FEA across complex mechanical/aerospace programs.
• Develop, execute, and review high-fidelity linear and nonlinear analyses using ANSYS APDL/Workbench.
• Develop analysis plans, inputs, load cases, acceptance criteria, and schedule estimates.
• Ensure models are properly verified and results validated.
• Lead peer reviews, design reviews, and customer technical reviews; approve or oversee FEA deliverables.
• Develop and standardize FEA best practices, templates, and automation tools.
• Mentor junior analysts and develop organizational FEA capability.
• Communicate complex results, risks, and recommendations to customers and engineering leadership.

Skills

FEA

ANSYS

Structural mechanics

GD&T

Technical communication

Project management

Nonlinear analysis

Fatigue analysis

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering

Tools

ANSYS APDL

ANSYS Workbench

Job description

We’re engineering the future of aerospace and defense. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions where precision and reliability are non-negotiable, we want you on our team. Here, your expertise powers mission-critical systems that safeguard lives, advance technology, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Join us and bring your skills to work where innovation meets impact.

We are seeking a highly skilled FEA Mechanical Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic aerospace engineering team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the development of various aircraft engines components, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.

Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be US Citizens/ US Person. This role is 100% onsite in Cincinnati, OH

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for finite element analysis (FEA) and across complex mechanical/aerospace programs.
• Develop, execute, and review high-fidelity linear and nonlinear analyses using ANSYS APDL/Workbench.
• Develop analysis plans, identify required inputs and load cases, establish acceptance criteria, and estimate analysis effort and schedule.
• Ensure models are properly verified and results are validated.
• Lead and participate in peer reviews, design reviews, analysis reviews, and customer technical reviews; approve or provide technical oversight of FEA deliverables.
• Develop and standardize FEA best practices, templates, modeling guidelines, automation tools, and analysis processes to improve quality and efficiency.
• Mentor junior analysts, provide technical guidance, review their work, and develop organizational FEA capability.
• Communicate complex analytical results, risks, assumptions, and recommendations clearly to customers and engineering leadership.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in the mechanical design of Gas-turbine or Turbo-machinery components
• Minimum BS/MS in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering from an accredited university
• Experience ANSYS (Classic or workbench) , structural mechanics fundamentals, nonlinear/contact analysis, fatigue, model verification
• Prepare analysis plans, assumptions, methodology, results, conclusions, and formal FEA reports and the ability to independently interpret results
• Participate in technical/design reviews and respond to reviewer or customer comments
• Ability to easily interpret technical drawings with understanding of GD&T
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, work under time constraints, maintain composure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to interact with employees/managers at all levels with strong oral and written communication skills
• Project Management experience is desired, but not required
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Like to work in a fast paced, creative environment
• Enjoy people and dynamic teams with diverse experiences. We have fun together!
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident required

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.
• Substantial amounts of telephone, video conferencing, and computer work.
• Heavily Regulated Industries with strict adherence to procedures.
• Flexibility to meet business deadlines by staying late or arriving early.
• Typical 8 hour days plus lunch / 40 hour weeks / core (required) hours are 9AM to 4PM
• Ability to use personal transportation to visit customer locations

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You’ll Find Here

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$80,000—$100,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions , we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.