Server Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer

Qualcomm; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,500 - 270,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual discretionary bonus

Opportunity for annual RSU grants

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A leading technology company in Santa Clara is seeking a Staff/Senior Staff Server FEA Engineer to lead structural simulations and modeling for high-performance server platforms. This role requires a strong background in structural mechanics and multi-scale FEA, with responsibilities including system-level integrity, modeling dynamics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and proficiency in FEA tools like ANSYS and ABAQUS, contributing to cutting-edge data center applications.

Qualifications

• Strong background in structural mechanics and materials science required.
• 6+ years advanced FEA experience in high-tech hardware platforms needed.
• Proven ability to operate independently and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-scale FEA across various structural components.
• Own system-level structural simulation and dynamics modeling.
• Drive platform-level structural architecture through simulation.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Structural dynamics

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Independent operation

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

HyperMesh

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering

General Summary

Qualcomm Data Center team is developing High performance, Energy efficient server solution for data center applications. We are looking for highly talented, innovative, teamwork-oriented individuals for our cutting-edge technology work!

Our Mission

We are dedicated to transforming the industry by reimagining silicon and developing next-generation computing platforms. By joining our team, you’ll collaborate with world-class engineers to create innovative solutions that push the limits of performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. Our focus is on developing reference platforms based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon SoC, delivering a comprehensive solution that includes hardware, software, reference designs, user guides, SDKs, and more.

Position: Server FEA Engineer

We are seeking a Staff / Senior Staff Server FEA Engineer to serve as a technical authority for structural simulation and system-level modeling of high-performance server platforms. This role owns multi-scale structural physics spanning package, board, server chassis assembly, and full system/rack-level architectures.

As a senior individual contributor, you will lead system-level structural integrity, dynamics, and reliability modeling, ensuring mechanical robustness, manufacturability, and lifecycle reliability of servers from package through in-rack deployment. You will partner closely with packaging, electrical, thermal, mechanical, manufacturing, reliability, systems, and supplier teams to drive simulation-informed platform design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-scale FEA across package, board, chassis assembly, system, and rack levels
• Own system-level structural simulation, including server chassis assemblies, multi-node integration, and in-rack boundary conditions
• Lead structural dynamics modeling (modal, shock, drop, random vibration, harmonic response, coupled system dynamics)
• Drive platform-level structural architecture through simulation-based decisions
• Correlate analytical models with component-, system-, and rack-level test data
• Define and maintain platform simulation methodologies, modeling standards, and validation frameworks
• Translate simulation into clear design guidance for cross-functional teams
• Present technical analyses to engineering leadership, customers, and suppliers

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
• Strong background in structural mechanics, materials science, and structural dynamics
• 6+ years of advanced FEA experience in high-tech hardware platforms spanning microelectronics packaging, BGAs/sockets, board-level systems, server chassis assemblies, and full system-level structures
• Proficiency in ANSYS, ABAQUS, HyperMesh, or equivalent
• Experience correlating system-level FEA with physical testing (modal, shock, vibration, environmental)
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills
• Proven ability to operate independently and lead within cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
• 10+ years of advanced FEA experience
• Expertise in structural and system-level FEA
• Experience with rack-scale modeling and in-rack boundary condition simulation
• Deep experience in holistic structural analysis spanning die, package, board, chassis, and rack-integrated systems
• Experience with multi-physics coupling (structural–thermal–mechanical)
• Platform-level simulation ownership across multiple server generations
• Understanding of OCP product designs and industry best practice

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail [e-mail] or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities.

EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits: $180,500.00 - $270,700.00

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants. In addition, our benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will discuss details about Qualcomm benefits.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.