Mechanics of Materials – Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer

GE Vernova • Greenville, NC

7d

About The Position

The Mechanics of Materials – Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer develops and validates material models that enable accurate, physics-based predictions of component performance in demanding gas turbine environments. You will bridge experimental materials testing and computational mechanics to continuously improve life prediction methodologies. This role sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering, materials science, and computational simulation—translating test data into actionable FEA inputs and validating models against real-world component behavior. Working with ANSYS and in-house lifting tools, you'll create material input cards and perform verification studies that directly impact the safety, reliability, and efficiency of gas turbine hardware operating under extreme temperatures, stresses, and cyclic loading conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred), Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited institution
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in structural finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS
• Strong foundation in mechanics of materials, including stress-strain behavior, fatigue, and creep of metal alloys
• Proven ability to work with mechanical test data (tensile, fatigue, creep) and translate findings into engineering models
• Strong technical communication skills (written reports, presentations, cross-functional collaboration)
• Note: This role focuses exclusively on metallic materials (such as steels and nickel-base superalloys); experience with non-metallic materials (polymers, CMCs) is not required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Knowledge of nickel-base superalloys and steel alloys used in turbomachinery, including strengthening mechanisms and deformation behavior at elevated temperatures
• Demonstrated experience developing material models from test data or performing FEA model verification/validation
• Experience with fatigue and life prediction methodologies (S-N curves, crack growth models, damage accumulation)
• Knowledge of fracture mechanics principles and their application to structural integrity assessment
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing processes and their impact on material properties
• Programming/scripting experience (Python) for data processing, automation, and post-processing
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results under tight deadlines
• Self-motivated and effective working independently on complex technical problems with minimal supervision
• Experience managing vendor relationships and external testing programs

Responsibilities

• Material Model Development & Validation (Primary Focus)
• Create and refine material model input decks for ANSYS and GE Vernova proprietary lifing tools, supporting mechanical properties including Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF), High Cycle Fatigue (HCF), Creep, Stress-Strain, Physical Properties, and Fatigue Crack Growth Rate (FCGR)
• Perform 1D and 3D finite element verification studies to validate material models against test data and achieve target prediction accuracy
• Develop post-processing material models that utilize FEA stress/temperature outputs to predict component life and failure modes
• Mechanical Testing Integration
• Partner with internal test labs and external vendors to define mechanical testing programs (tensile, fatigue, creep, fracture mechanics testing of metallic alloys)
• Analyze test data to extract material properties, identify trends, and establish statistical models for use in design and life prediction
• Leverage existing databases and new test data to refine life models
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with Design Engineers to ensure material models meet analysis needs and support design validation
• Provide material modeling expertise to support failure investigations, lifing assessments, and component repairs
• Generate technical reports, presentations, and documentation communicating model assumptions, validation results, and recommendations to multidisciplinary teams
• Manage vendor relationships and testing schedules to meet project milestones

Benefits

• GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
• GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs
• GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion.
• No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level