Finite Element Analysis Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Matrix Engineering Consultants (www.matrixengrng.com) is an engineering consulting firm focused on solving complex, real-world technical challenges for companies that design and build demanding products and systems. We partner directly with OEMs and industrial innovators across off-highway equipment, specialty machinery, and renewable energy to diagnose difficult engineering problems, improve product reliability, and deliver practical solutions that perform in the field. Unlike traditional consulting firms that stop at analysis, Matrix works through implementation—helping clients move from insight to actionable results within real products. Matrix operates with the agility of a focused consulting firm while being supported by The RFA Group, providing a strong operational foundation, access to additional technical resources, and long-term stability.

Position Summary

In this position, the candidate will lead the Failure Investigation and Reliability consulting efforts of the company with the responsibility for developing and growing a focused service area. This role is responsible for helping clients understand complex field failures, determine likely root causes, and develop practical corrective actions that can be applied in the field and in future production and/or processes.

This position offers a unique opportunity to build and lead a service line within a growing consulting firm. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, the ability to lead investigations with incomplete information, and a proactive approach to developing client relationships and new opportunities. The Consulting Engineer will play a central role in shaping how Matrix delivers failure investigation and reliability services, while also contributing to long-term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Failure Investigation & Engineering Analysis

• Develop structured investigation plans, defining scope, evidence requirements, and deliverables
• Perform and review engineering analysis of failures in conjunction with other Matrix personnel in areas that may include but not limited to reliability, structural evaluation, bolted joint analysis, and load path assessment
• Apply root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies to determine likely failure mechanisms

Client Leadership & Technical Consulting

• Serve as the primary technical lead for client-facing investigations
• Build trust with OEMs, operators, and other stakeholders during critical field failure events
• Facilitate collaborative problem-solving across multiple parties
• Translate investigation results into clear, actionable recommendations

Service Development & Business Growth

• Lead the development and growth of Matrix’s failure investigation and reliability service offering
• Establish investigation methods, reporting approaches, and service delivery standards
• Develop client relationships and proactively identify new opportunities
• Convert initial investigation work into broader engineering engagements and long-term partnerships

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor engineers in field investigation, analytical thinking, and client communication
• Support development of repeatable tools, methods, and internal capabilities
• Contribute to training, technical content, and knowledge sharing

Professional Development & Industry Engagement

• Maintain professional licensure and industry involvement
• Contribute to technical publications, presentations, or industry-facing content
• Support Matrix’s visibility in reliability and failure investigation

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Systems, or Structural Engineering (or closely related field)
• 10+ years of engineering experience in consulting, analysis, reliability, or related technical leadership roles
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license required
• Demonstrated expertise in engineering analysis, problem solving, and client-facing work
• Experience leading or supporting failure investigations, root cause analysis, or corrective action development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations
• Ability to lead work with incomplete information and develop practical solutions
• Willingness to travel for client work, including field investigations and site visits

Differentiating Qualifications

• Background in finite element analysis, fatigue analysis, or structural analysis
• Experience in a particular field such as renewable energy, off-highway equipment, or industrial systems
• Familiarity with formal RCA methodologies or standards
• Experience working with testing laboratories or external technical partners
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and build technical capability
• Industry involvement, publications, or technical presentations

Work Environment

• Full-time role based on a mix of office, client site, and field work
• Travel required for investigations, client meetings, and industry engagement
• Work includes time-sensitive response to field failures and coordination with multiple stakeholders
• Exposure to industrial, construction, renewable energy, and outdoor field environments may be required

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $110,000 to $145,000 – Commensurate with experience

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below

Competitive Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Company Paid Virtual Health Care
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly