Finite Element Analysis Engineer – Structural Analysis

Sterling Heights, MI
Pay Rate: $51-$55/hourly
Onsite Opportunity | Defense Vehicle Programs

About the Role

Join a cutting-edge engineering team focused on the development and optimization of current and next-generation military vehicle platforms. This role is ideal for an engineer passionate about structural analysis, advanced simulation methods, and solving complex design challenges through both classical engineering fundamentals and modern computational tools.

You’ll work closely with design and test engineering teams to evaluate, improve, and validate vehicle components and subsystems through advanced finite element analysis (FEA), structural simulations, and innovative analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform system and subsystem level Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for vehicle and component designs
• Conduct linear and non-linear stress analysis in:
  • Static environments
  • Dynamic loading conditions
  • Shock and vibration environments
• Perform bolted joint analysis and classical hand calculations
• Utilize non-traditional and meshless analysis tools for rapid design studies and trade evaluations
• Support development and validation of new analysis methods, workflows, and best practices
• Provide engineering recommendations to improve:
  • Structural performance
  • Weight optimization
  • Manufacturability
  • Cost efficiency
• Collaborate with design and test engineering teams throughout development
• Prepare detailed technical reports and engineering presentations
• Communicate technical analysis results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Support additional engineering projects and analysis efforts as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Civil/Structural Engineering
  • Related engineering field
• 5–7 years of structural analysis and FEA experience
• Hands-on experience with:
  • ANSA/META
  • Nastran
  • Optistruct
  • LS-Dyna
• Experience with:
  • Static Analysis
  • Modal Analysis
  • Direct Transient Analysis
  • Frequency Response Analysis
• Familiarity with bolted joint design and calculations
• Experience using meshless/non-traditional analysis tools such as:
  • SimSolid
  • SimLab
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams
• Ability to manage multiple analysis assignments with minimal oversight

Preferred Experience

• Teamcenter experience
• CAD experience with:
  • Siemens NX
  • Creo
  • VisMockup
• Experience with:
  • nCode
  • Glyphworks
  • Fatigue and durability analysis
  • Vehicle-level NVH analysis
  • Design optimization workflows
• Python scripting/programming skills
• Experience applying machine learning or statistical analysis to simulation data

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required
• Flexibility to support overtime when program schedules require

Why Join CPI

• Work on advanced military vehicle platforms and next-generation defense technologies
• Opportunity to apply both classical engineering methods and cutting-edge simulation technologies
• Collaborative environment with highly skilled design, analysis, and test engineering teams
• Exposure to advanced structural analysis tools, optimization workflows, and digital engineering initiatives
• Long-term defense industry project stability
• Opportunity to contribute to vehicle survivability, performance, and innovation
• Competitive compensation and strong career growth potential within defense engineering programs