FEA Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Quest Defense; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Certification assistance

Job summary

Quest Defense in Cincinnati is seeking a seasoned FEA Mechanical Analysis Engineer to lead high-fidelity analyses for gas-turbine and turbo-machinery components. You will develop plans, execute simulations, verify models, and present results to leadership, ensuring reliability and safety in mission-critical systems.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical design for turbine components, strong ANSYS experience, and the ability to mentor peers in a fast-paced, collaborative setting onsite at our

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for finite element analysis (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 estimate analysis effort.
• Ensure models are verified and results are validated.
• Lead and participate in peer reviews, design reviews, and technical customer reviews; approve or provide oversight of FEA deliverables.
• Develop and standardize FEA best practices, templates, modeling guidelines, and automation tools.
• Mentor junior analysts and develop organizational FEA capability.
• Communicate complex analytical results, risks, assumptions, and recommendations clearly to customers and leadership.

Skills

FEA expertise

Gas-turbine design

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Time management

Education

BS Mechanical/Aerospace

MS Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

ANSYS (Classic/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!

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.