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Entry Level Finite Element Analysis Jobs in Chicago, IL

R&D Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

This role bridges product development, finite element analysis (FEA), signal integrity (SI) analysis, and AI modeling, enabling faster and smarter product design. You will work closely with domain ...

Mechanical Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Working experience with product lifecycle management (PLM), finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) * Hands-on experience with computer-aided engineering (CAE) and ...

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Entry Level Finite Element Analysis information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$34

$56

How much do entry level finite element analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level finite element analysis in Chicago, IL is $34.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.74 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level finite element analysis job?

Entry level finite element analysis (FEA) jobs are positions designed for recent graduates or individuals with limited professional experience in engineering who focus on using FEA software to simulate and analyze how products or structures respond to various physical effects, such as stress, heat, or vibration. These roles typically involve assisting in setting up simulations, interpreting results, and supporting design teams in optimizing products. Entry level FEA positions are often found in industries such as automotive, aerospace, civil engineering, and manufacturing, and they usually require a background in mechanical engineering or a related field, as well as familiarity with FEA tools like ANSYS or Abaqus.

What typical projects and responsibilities can an entry level finite element analysis engineer expect in their first year?

Entry-level FEA engineers often start by assisting with simulation tasks such as meshing, running analyses, and interpreting results under the guidance of senior engineers. Typical projects may involve analyzing structural components, validating designs against specifications, and documenting findings. You’ll likely collaborate closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams to help refine products and address engineering challenges. This hands-on experience with real-world data and iterative design processes is valuable for building foundational skills and understanding how FEA influences product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level finite element analysis engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Finite Element Analysis Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, mathematics, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with FEA software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks Simulation, and a basic understanding of CAD tools are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately modeling simulations, interpreting results, and collaborating with teams to solve engineering problems efficiently.

What is the difference between Entry Level Finite Element Analysis vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Finite Element AnalysisMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, basic FEA software knowledgeBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, design software skills
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, simulation labsDesign offices, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageProduct testing, structural analysisProduct development, prototyping
Common Search IntentEntry level FEA roles, FEA job requirementsMechanical design jobs, CAD design roles

Entry Level Finite Element Analysis focuses on performing simulations to analyze product stresses and behaviors, often supporting design teams. Mechanical Design Engineers develop and refine product designs using CAD tools, with some overlap in software skills. Both roles require engineering fundamentals, but FEA roles emphasize simulation expertise, while design roles focus on creating and optimizing physical models.

What are the most commonly searched types of Finite Element Analysis jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Finite Element Analysis jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Finite Element Analysis jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Finite Element Analysis jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Finite Element Analysis job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,137 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

$80K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to develop and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to accelerate structural and electrical simulations. This role bridges product development, finite element analysis (FEA), signal integrity (SI) analysis, and AI modeling, enabling faster and smarter product design.
You will work closely with domain experts in simulation and data science to explore physics-informed AI models and hybrid simulation workflows (e.g., reduced-order modeling, surrogate modeling, or neural operators) for real-world structural applications.
Our Team
At Molex, we create connections for life by enabling technologies that transform the future and improve lives. With a presence in more than 40 countries, we offer a complete range of connectivity products, services, and solutions across various industries, including data communications, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Our Datacom and Specialty Solutions (DSS) team specializes in providing high speed connector solutions essential for building reliable communications equipment, catering to telecommunications, datacom, hyperscalers, cloud, data center, and storage applications. We continue to innovate to meet the demands of next-generation markets.
What You Will Do
  • Develop optimization and high-speed design tools that couple mechanical, electrical, and thermal co-simulations to design next generations interconnects.
  • Create parametric CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Signal Integrity models to utilize in AI assisted design tools.
  • Work with vendors and Molex staff and leaders to develop new tools and resolve design challenges.
  • Communicate, document, and publish results to executive leadership and peers.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • B.S. Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics, or a related field.
  • Ability to learn new knowledge, tools, and technical skills rapidly.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize workload effectively in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
  • Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to both peers and leadership.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Hands-on industrial experience in Mechanical, Electrical, or Thermal Engineering.
  • Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
  • Proficient in Python programming.
  • Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.

This position does not qualify for VISA Sponsorship.
For this role, we anticipate paying $80,000 - $140,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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