1

Finite Element Analysis Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineer I

Osseo, MN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

AutoCAD and/or finite element analysis experience is preferred, but not required. All necessary training will be provided. * Must be willing to travel to project locations for short durations ...

AutoCAD and/or finite element analysis experience is preferred, but not required. All necessary training will be provided. * Must be willing to travel to project locations for short durations ...

Showing results 21-40

Finite Element Analysis information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$63

$88

How much do finite element analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for finite element analysis in Minnesota is $63.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.70 and $74.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a finite element analysis?

A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) job involves using computer simulations to evaluate how products or systems respond to physical forces such as stress, heat, and vibration. Engineers in this role use specialized software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks to create models and analyze their behavior under various conditions. FEA helps optimize designs, reduce material costs, and ensure structural integrity before manufacturing. This role is common in industries like automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in finite element analysis?

To thrive in Finite Element Analysis, you need a strong background in mechanical or structural engineering principles, mathematics, and a solid understanding of physics, typically backed by an engineering degree. Proficiency with FEA software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL, and familiarity with CAD tools and programming languages such as Python or MATLAB, are important assets. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication skills make candidates stand out in this analytical role. These skills are crucial for producing accurate simulations, optimizing designs, and effectively conveying complex technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in finite element analysis?

Professionals in Finite Element Analysis often encounter challenges such as managing complex simulation models, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their results, and interpreting data to provide meaningful engineering insights. You may also need to troubleshoot issues related to meshing, material properties, and boundary conditions, which require both technical expertise and patience. Regular collaboration with design, manufacturing, and testing teams helps address these challenges more effectively and leads to better end products. Developing strong analytical and communication skills can further help you thrive when working through the intricate details and interdisciplinary demands of the role.

Is finite element analysis a good career?

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a specialized engineering role that involves using software tools to simulate and analyze physical behaviors of structures and components. It is a growing field with demand in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, often requiring strong skills in mechanics, programming, and software like ANSYS or Abaqus. Careers in FEA can offer stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement for those with relevant technical expertise and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Finite Element Analysis jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Finite Element Analysis jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Finite Element Analysis jobs in Minnesota?

For Finite Element Analysis jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Finite Element Analysis job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,689 per year, or $63.8 per hour.

Thermal Engineer (Level 2 or 3)

Northrop Grumman

Plymouth, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. The development of smart armament systems, designed to increase the competitive advantage of our armed forces, is accelerating.

This growth has created a need for an engineer with a passion for technology development and a strong foundation in thermal and structural analysis. At Armament Systems, we design, develop, and sustain advanced weapon systems and munitions that must perform reliably in demanding environments across their entire life cycle. Our team integrates mechanical design, modeling and simulation, and test to deliver safe, effective, and affordable products to the warfighter.

As a Thermal Engineer, you will contribute to this mission by supporting thermal and coupled thermal/structural analyses that guide design decisions, improve product robustness, and help ensure our systems meet or exceed customer expectations while acting with integrity and respect. As a Thermal Engineer, you will utilize thermal analysis tools and finite element methods to support the Armament Systems design team in developing smart weapon systems. You will work with Subject Matter Experts to define and execute steady-state and transient thermal analyses that inform design decisions across the product life cycle.

Key considerations include thermal loads from electronic components and aeroheating in high-speed and hypersonic ballistic environments; performing or assisting with aeroheating CFD analyses (potentially including material recession and ablation) is highly desired. Experience thermally analyzing metallic materials, conventional molded plastic materials, and printed circuit boards is required. Responsibilities Work with Subject Matter Experts to develop finite element analysis approaches and solutions to thermal problems based on an understanding of engineering principles.

Assist in determining the appropriate analysis type and tools needed to evaluate a variety of numerical modeling problems involving metals, plastics, and composite materials. Develop the thermal and coupled thermal/structural models: Geometry preparation and mesh generation Selection and application of boundary conditions and constraints Selection and application of material properties Setup and execution of appropriate simulation codes and solution methodologies Develop simple bench tests to anchor simulation predictions Post-process and assist in the interpretation of analytical results; help identify key sensitivities and support recommendations for design improvements. Document analysis methods, assumptions, and results in clear technical reports and presentations for internal design reviews.

Support innovation by applying modern analysis tools and workflows to new smart munition product development. Become an integrated member of the product team by developing an understanding of the overall system function, collaborating closely with Design, Systems, and Test Engineers, and presenting analysis results and design recommendations in an insightful and timely manner. This position may be filled as a Thermal Engineer level 2 or 3, depending on the candidate's education and/or years of experience.

Basic Qualifications Qualifications for Thermal Engineer (Level 2): Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. 2+ years of relevant engineering experience with a BS degree; 0+ years with a Master's degree in a related field Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, and radiation) Academic or work experience performing steady-state and transient thermal analysis using tools such as ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Icepak, or Abaqus. Familiarity with structural FEA (e.g

deformation, stress, strain, modal, shock, and vibration) Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment, receive technical direction, and incorporate feedback. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document analyses and present technical results. U.S

citizen and possess or qualify for a U.S. Government security clearance Qualifications for Principal Thermal Engineer (Level 3): Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. 5+ years of relevant engineering experience with Bachelor of Science degree; 3+ years with a Master's degree, or 1+ year with a PhD

Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, and radiation) Academic or work experience performing steady-state and transient thermal analysis using tools such as ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Icepak, or Abaqus. Familiarity with structural FEA (e.g. deformation, stress, strain, modal, shock, and vibration) Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment, receive technical direction, and incorporate feedback

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document analyses and present technical results. U.S. citizen and possess or qualify for a U.S

Government security clearance Desired Qualificaions Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus in thermal sciences, structural mechanics, or related area. Thermal analysis of electronic enclosures and printed circuit card assemblies using ANSYS Icepak or similar tools. Use of CFD tools or codes to determine the aeroheating parameters for projectiles or flight vehicles.

Coupled analysis experience (thermal/structural, thermal/fluid, structural/fluid, thermoelectric, etc) Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939