Senior FEA Analyst – Cranes & Heavy Machinery

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

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.