Finite Element Analyst

McCormick Stevenson is known for delivering efficient and effective solutions in product development for the defense and aerospace industries. Our success is largely dependent on the expertise of our Engineering team. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineering Analyst with expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to join our organization to continue our tradition of success.

The focus of this job centers around producing timely results that are high quality and accurate. Benefiting from an analytical, inquiring and critical mind, this job requires imagination and strong problem-solving skills, but with a strong technical orientation. The job requires an ability to deal with abstract concepts, systems, and ideas in an organized and self-disciplined way. It also requires that serious consideration be given to all possibly related facts and potential problems. This job demands deep knowledge and expertise and to do it successfully depends on understanding detailed information. Intellectual confidence is important in this job and to do it well requires close, hands-on involvement, careful follow-up and very disciplined, and limited delegation. This job is technically demanding and ‘strictly business’, with little need for influential ‘people interactions’. Central to this job is the need to weigh all decisions carefully and thoroughly, based on expertise to avoid unpredictable risk. Getting the job done and getting it done right are the two, equal, drivers for this job, and that may create conflict.

The ideal candidate will play a critical role in designing, analyzing, and optimizing engineering systems using advanced computational methods. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are needed. As an Engineering Analyst, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions that ensure performance, reliability, and safety while meeting design specifications.

You must be a US citizen and be able to pass a criminal background check. A BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field along with 10 years of relevant experience is required (equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered). 

We offer excellent pay, benefits and outstanding opportunities that can develop into larger roles. We hire based on your successful experiences, talent and fit. We hire top performers! Apply only if you meet our qualifications and experience guidelines outlined above.

Overview: An Engineering Analyst specializing in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a critical asset in the defense and aerospace industries, where precision and reliability, and safety are paramount. They use advanced computational tools to evaluate and optimize the structural, thermal, and dynamic performance of complex systems, including aircraft, spacecraft, and military vehicles. These analysts address challenges such as extreme operating conditions, high-performance materials, and strict regulatory standards. By simulating real-world scenarios, they predict system behavior under various loads, enhance designs for manufacturability, and reduce development costs and timelines. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, they play a key role in ensuring mission-critical performance, innovating with emerging materials, and automating workflows for efficiency. Their expertise directly contributes to the resilience, safety, and advancement of aerospace and defense technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and relevant/related hand calculations, to provide technical substantiation for mechanical design decisions.
• Perform detailed finite element analysis (FEA) for structural, thermal, and fluid analysis including both static and dynamic systems. Prepare and mesh geometry for efficient and accurate analysis. Setup analysis models to represent environmental loads, boundary conditions, and realistic contacts. Post-process and review analysis results to ensure accuracy.
• Develop and validate computational models to simulate and predict system behavior under various operating conditions.
• Evaluate and recommend material selections including the effects of linear and non-linear materials.
• Interpret analysis results, collaborate with design team and customers to refine designs, and resolve engineering challenges.
• Thoroughly document all work, including analysis plans, in compliance with customer requirements. Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports/presentations on your findings.
• Support product development cycles, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Develop scripts or tools to automate repetitive tasks in FEA workflows.
• Actively participate in technical and program reviews, contributing valuable insights, expertise, and communication with the customer
• Conceive, plan, and develop new technical methods or approaches as warranted by advancements in state-of-the-art technology.
• Develop Statements of Work, estimates, and project execution plans to complete analysis scope.
• Occasional travel to support customer design reviews or to oversee product testing.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Mastery of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools including: Ansys Mechanical APDL, Ansys Workbench, Ansys Mechanical, Ansys Fluent, ANSYS LS-Dyna, Siemens Simcenter, Nastran/Patran, or ABAQUS for analysis tasks.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools
• Mastery of Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Word, Excel.
• Expertise in performing engineering calculations (tolerance analysis, first-order thermal and structural calculations).
• Material and Strength Knowledge: Familiarity with strength, fatigue, and durability properties, as well as materials, processes, and part standards.
• Expertise in interpretation of engineering documentation (drawings, parts lists, change orders, specifications, etc.).
• Expertise with military design and testing standards such as MIL-STD-810.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, work efficiently under time constraints, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Secret DoD clearance.

Education/Experience:

• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited engineering college, a minimum of 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience performing mechanical or aerospace structural analysis.
• Defense or Aerospace industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ansys suite of analysis tools strongly preferred.
• 3D CAD Modeling experience in SolidWorks, PTC Creo, and Ansys SpaceClaim preferred.
• Experience with any of the following types of analysis:
  • Analysis of propellants, energetic materials, or solid rocket motors. Familiarity with MSFC-STD-3744.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), particularly in the area of supersonic or hypersonic flow. Familiarity with the effects of material ablation.
  • Analysis of composite materials and composite structures.
  • Fracture or Impact Dynamics
• Experience with physical MIL-STD-810 environmental testing (especially shock, vibration, acceleration)
• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• DoD Secret Clearance

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous annual Employee Incentive plan
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, Long/Short term disability)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with 5% company match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Eleven paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Salary : $93,000 - $141,000