Mechanical Engineer - FEA

RFA Engineering; Peru Township (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

Health Savings Account

Vision Insurance

Company Paid Long-Term Disability

401k Retirement Savings (Traditional &

Job summary

RFA Engineering seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer specialized in FEA to translate design concepts into detailed 3D models and run simulations for off-highway equipment structures. You will use CAD tooling and FE software to predict performance, identify failure modes, and guide design improvements.

The role requires applying realistic loads, validating models with test data, and producing clear documentation and validation reports for engineering teams.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Familiarity with FE software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Strong understanding of linear and nonlinear FE analysis.
• Design experience or exposure to large machinery.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D models of structural components using CAD software.
• Generate finite element meshes for analysis.
• Assign materials and properties for simulations.
• Apply loads and constraints to simulate real-world conditions.
• Run FEA simulations using ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Use HyperWorks for pre- and post-processing.
• Use nCode GlyphWorks and Design Life for field data analysis.
• Provide design engineering with corrective-action recommendations.
• Work with test engineers to develop testing plans.
• Correlate post-test with FE models to improve methods.
• Analyze results to evaluate performance and identify failure modes.
• Collaborate with design engineers to integrate results into design.
• Document analysis methods, assumptions, results.
• Write analysis plans and validation reports.

Skills

Finite element analysis

CAD modeling

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Nastran

HyperWorks

HyperMesh

HyperView

nCode Glyphworks

Design Life

Creo

Job description

RFA Engineering ( www.rfamec.com ) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includesopportunitiesfor professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Mechanical Engineer - FEA

The Mechanical Engineer - FEA (Finite Element Analysis) engineer specializing in off-highway equipment structural components is a key player in ensuring the reliability and performance of these rugged machines. Their role involves translating design concepts into detailed 3D models using CAD software, a critical step in the analysis process. Using specialized software such as ANSYS or Abaqus, the FEA engineer runs simulations to analyze the structural response.

Job Description

• Creating 3D models of structural components using CAD software.
• Generating finite element meshes to discretize the model for analysis.
• Choosing appropriate materials and assigning material properties for accurate simulations.
• Applying realistic loads and constraints to simulate real-world conditions.
• Running FEA simulations using software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran to predict the structural response.
• Use of HyperWorks (HyperMesh and HyperView) for pre- and post-processing
• Use of nCode Glyphworks and Design Life to do field data analysis and study fatigue
• Provide design engineering team with accurate design recommendations of corrective action
• Work with test engineers as required to develop efficient testing plans
• Perform after-test correlation with FE models to improve analysis methodology
• Analyzing simulation results to evaluate structural performance and identify potential failure modes.
• Working closely with design engineers to integrate analysis results into the design process.
• Documenting analysis methods, assumptions, and results for future reference.
• Write clear, detailed analysis plans, final reports, and other validation documentation

Requirements

• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Related Field
• Familiarity with finite element analysis software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or Nastran.
• Strong understanding of linear and Non-linear finite element analysis
• Design experience or exposure to large machinery

Desired Attributes

• Ability to address quality issues, determine root cause and drive to a corrective action
• Previous experience with HyperWorks (HyperMesh and HyperView), nCode, Creo (Pro/Engineer)
• A meticulous approach to modeling, simulation setup, and result interpretation is crucial for accurate and reliable analysis.
• The ability to think creatively and innovatively to optimize designs and solve complex engineering problems.
• Desire to work in a fast paced engineering environment focusing on robust designs, quality of product, and accuracy of results

Visa Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Salary Range: $65,000-$85,000/year commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Novice

FEA - Abaqus

Novice

CAD PTC CREO

Novice

Education

Preferred

Bachelors of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.