ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Fea Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Heico

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL

$94K - $116K/yr

Specification documents, design analysis (tolerance, FEA, FMEA) * Test documentation, product cost ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 years work experience.

HEICO

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL

$94K - $116K/yr

Specification documents, design analysis (tolerance, FEA, FMEA) * Test documentation, product cost ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 years work experience.

HEICO

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

Specification documents, design analysis (tolerance, FEA, FMEA) * Test documentation, product cost ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 years work experience.

Life Fitness

Mechanical Engineer I

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$66K - $95K/yr

... (entry-level candidates encouraged to apply) * Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks ... Exposure to engineering analysis methods (FEA or hand calculations preferred) * Strong willingness ...

All JobsFea JobsEntry Level Fea JobsEntry Level Fea Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Fea information

What is an entry level FEA job?

Entry Level FEA jobs refer to positions for beginners in the field of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). These roles typically involve assisting with simulation, modeling, and analysis of engineering structures using FEA software. Entry level FEA engineers work under supervision to help solve design problems, validate prototypes, and optimize products. Candidates usually need a background in engineering and some familiarity with FEA tools such as ANSYS or Abaqus.

What types of projects can an entry level FEA (Finite Element Analysis) engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level FEA Engineer, you can expect to support senior engineers by performing simulations and analyses on components or assemblies, typically under supervision. Common projects may include stress analysis, thermal analysis, or vibration studies for mechanical parts in industries like automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing. You'll likely be responsible for preprocessing tasks such as meshing, boundary condition setup, and reporting results. Collaboration with design engineers and regular feedback sessions are typical, helping you build technical and teamwork skills essential for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level FEA (Finite Element Analysis) engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level FEA Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with FEA software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks Simulation, along with knowledge of CAD systems, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for accurately analyzing complex structures, collaborating with teams, and ensuring high-quality engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fea vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level FeaEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certification, basic knowledge of FEA softwareBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, foundational engineering knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, manufacturing companies, engineering consultanciesManufacturing, product design, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in engineering analysis roles across industriesBroader engineering roles, including design and development

Entry Level Fea specialists focus on performing finite element analysis to evaluate product performance, often requiring specific software skills. Entry Level Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, including design, testing, and development tasks. While both roles may work in similar environments, Fea roles are more analysis-specific, whereas Mechanical Engineering roles encompass a wider range of engineering functions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fea jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Fea jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Fea jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Fea jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fea jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fea jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Fea jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Fea job openings:

Entry Level Fea jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fea job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution.

Sustaining Engineer

Heico

Chicago, IL

$94K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Switchcraft, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturer of harsh environment circular connectors, cable assemblies and interconnect solutions. Our products are used in a wide variety of industries including medical, industrial controls, transportation and homeland security. We are located on the Northwest side of Chicago and currently have an opening for a Sustaining Engineer.

Location:Jefferson Park, IL (Chicago)

Shift:100% ON SITE - 7:30 am - 4 pm M-F

Pay:$70,000- $75,000

Responsibilities:

  • Maintenance, redesign, improvements and general support for existing products and for designing and releasing custom customer products using current product families
  • Candidate must be able to work on several projects at one time through changing priorities
  • Researches the history and current state of the product evolution, resolution of production and Customer concerns
  • Implementation of product improvements
  • Investigation of new processes and materials
  • Producing and maintaining accurate project plans
  • CAD models and drawings for components and assemblies
  • Specification documents, design analysis (tolerance, FEA, FMEA)
  • Test documentation, product cost estimates, and Bills of Material
  • Coordinates engineering activities with purchasing and manufacturing and making recommendations for parts, materials and tooling
  • Must be able to provide technical support to Sales/Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
  • Entry level to 3 years work experience.
  • Design experience with connector and cable products is a plus.
  • Mechanical Design Skills.
  • Basic understanding of Electrical Engineering skills is a plus.
  • Knowledge of plastic and metal materials and their uses/applications.
  • Understanding of injection molded plastic parts and metal screw machine parts.
  • Experience with 3-D CAD modeling software (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA.
  • Understanding of mechanical drawing requirements and proper application of dimensional and tolerance information.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office
  • Good project management skills
  • Strong verbal & written communication skills

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short Term/Long Term Disability

Commuter benefits

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

FSA-Dependent Care

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401k

Educational Assistance (Tuition Assistance)

Referral Program

Parental Leave

Healthy Rewards

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet

This company is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, gender, disability or protected veteran status.

Apply