FEA Analyst / Mechanical Engineer (Remote)

Zen Sherpa LLC•Davenport, IA

7d•Remote

About The Position

The FEA Analyst / Mechanical Engineer supports advanced engineering simulations and mechanical design for complex machinery, heavy equipment, and high-capacity structures. The role analyzes and improves structural mechanics in mechanical systems, leads design efforts, and contributes to engineering initiatives across multiple industries, with work affecting product performance, safety, and innovation. The position is fully remote within the 48 contiguous United States and supports customers nationwide, with occasional travel to fabrication shops, test sites, customer sites, or field locations.

Requirements

BSME with 10 or more years of experience, or MSME with 5 or more years of hands-on, demonstrated FEA experience analyzing major components of mobile or stationary heavy equipment.
10 or more years of mechanical engineering experience in cranes, lifting systems, or heavy mechanical equipment.
Advanced FEA experience; ANSYS is strongly preferred.
Strong background in structural mechanics, weldments, heavy steel structures, and load-bearing systems.
Proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Pro/E/Creo.
Demonstrated ability to produce well-documented calculations, FEA reports, and design packages.
U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.
Ability to travel up to approximately 10%.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing cranes, hoists, lifting beams, gantries, or high-capacity structures.
Experience with hydraulic or mechanical powertrain systems.
Familiarity with offshore, industrial, or construction lifting environments.
Knowledge of ASME B30, API, DNV, ABS, or similar standards.
Hands-on exposure to fabrication, testing, or field commissioning.

Responsibilities

Perform linear, nonlinear, contact, buckling, fatigue, and large-deflection FEA simulations 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 using 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.