Senior FEA Engineer — Heavy Machinery & Cranes

Zen Sherpa LLC; Mounds View (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Paid holidays, PTO, and flexible time

401(k) retirement savings

Comprehensive health, dental, vision,

Disability protection

Job summary

Zen Sherpa LLC is seeking an experienced FEA Analyst to support advanced engineering simulations and mechanical design for complex machinery and heavy equipment. You will analyze structural mechanics, lead design efforts, and contribute to cutting-edge initiatives across industries.

The role requires extensive FEA experience, SolidWorks/Inventor/Creo proficiency, and the ability to travel up to 10%. On-site at our Little Canada, MN offices, you will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with

Qualifications

• BSME or MSME with substantial hands-on FEA experience on heavy equipment.
• 10+ years mechanical engineering exp. in cranes, lifting systems, or heavy machinery.
• Advanced FEA experience (ANSYS preferred).
• Strong structural mechanics and load-bearing systems background.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor or Creo for 3D models.
• Ability to produce well-documented 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 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 expertise

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Engineering calculations

Team mentoring

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo/ProE

Job description

Zen Sherpa LLC is seeking an experienced FEA Analyst to support advanced engineering simulations and mechanical design for complex machinery and heavy equipment. You will analyze structural mechanics, lead design efforts, and contribute to cutting-edge initiatives across industries.

The role requires extensive FEA experience, SolidWorks/Inventor/Creo proficiency, and the ability to travel up to 10%. On-site at our Little Canada, MN offices, you will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with