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Finite Element Civil Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boeing

M&P Engineer-Modeling/Finite Element

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$146K - $197K/yr

Develop CAD/geometry models from engineering drawings, photos, and laboratory data * Develop and/or ... Develop finite element models of designs and anomalous conditions * Multiphysics analyses typically ...

K2 Staffing, LLC

Sr. Engineer (Structural)

San Diego, CA

$90K - $95K/yr

... Civil Engineering or a related field. * Advanced knowledge in: * Structural analysis & design * Steel and concrete design * Structural dynamics or earthquake engineering * Finite element analysis ...

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Finite Element Civil Engineering information

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How much do finite element civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for finite element civil engineering in the United States is $82,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is finite element civil engineering?

Finite element civil engineering refers to the application of the finite element method (FEM) in the field of civil engineering. This computational technique is used to analyze and simulate the structural behavior of buildings, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure under various loads and conditions. By breaking down complex structures into smaller, manageable elements, engineers can predict stress, strain, and deformation, ensuring safety and efficiency in design. FEM is widely used for structural analysis, earthquake engineering, and optimization of civil engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a finite element civil engineer?

To thrive as a Finite Element Civil Engineer, you need a solid background in structural analysis, mechanics, and civil engineering principles, usually backed by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or SAP2000 and familiarity with industry standards and codes are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital for producing accurate, safe, and cost-effective engineering solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by civil engineers working with finite element analysis (FEA), and how can they be addressed?

Civil engineers using finite element analysis often face challenges such as accurately modeling complex geometries, interpreting large data outputs, and ensuring boundary conditions reflect real-world scenarios. Staying updated with advanced software tools and regularly validating models against physical tests can help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, effective collaboration with structural designers and material specialists ensures that models are both accurate and practical for real-world applications.

What is the difference between Finite Element Civil Engineering vs Structural Civil Engineering?

AspectFinite Element Civil EngineeringStructural Civil Engineering
Primary FocusApplying finite element analysis to simulate and analyze complex civil engineering structuresDesigning, analyzing, and ensuring the safety of structural components like beams, bridges, and buildings
Required SkillsFinite element software proficiency, advanced mathematics, structural analysisStructural design principles, material science, construction methods
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, engineering firms, consulting companiesConstruction sites, design offices, consulting firms
CertificationsPE license, engineering degrees, finite element software certificationsPE license, structural engineering certifications

Finite Element Civil Engineering focuses on using computational methods to analyze complex structures, while Structural Civil Engineering emphasizes designing and ensuring the safety of structural elements. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in their approach: one is analysis-driven, the other design-oriented.

What are popular job titles related to Finite Element Civil Engineering jobs?

For Finite Element Civil Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Finite Element Civil Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,674 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Senior/Principal Finite Element Analyst - Thermomechanical & Structural Mechanics

Austin, TX • On-site

Protingent
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Protingentexternal

$160/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Title

Senior/Principal Finite Element Analyst - Thermomechanical & Structural Mechanics

Job Description

Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Senior/Principal Finite Element Analyst - Thermomechanical & Structural Mechanics opportunity.

Job Responsibilities
  • Develop, execute, and maintain finite element models for reactor components, structures, and mechanical systems subject to coupled thermal and mechanical loading.
  • Perform linear and nonlinear structural analysis, thermal stress analysis, fatigue evaluation, buckling assessment, modal/dynamic analysis, and seismic response analysis.
  • Evaluate high-temperature components and structures against applicable nuclear design codes and standards, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III.
  • Use NASTRAN and other commercial solvers to analyze complex load cases, boundary conditions, interfaces, and transient operating conditions.
  • Support sodium-cooled reactor design by evaluating thermal gradients, pressure loads, mechanical loads, restraint loads, seismic loads, radiation effects, startup/shutdown transients, and off-normal events.
  • Collaborate with thermal-hydraulics and reactor systems teams on fluid-structure interaction problems, flow-induced vibration, thermal striping, and coupled structural response.
  • Translate analysis results into clear design recommendations, safety margins, test requirements, and engineering tradeoffs.
  • Prepare high-quality technical reports, calculation packages, and analysis documentation for internal design reviews, licensing support, and quality-controlled engineering work.
  • Establish modeling standards, verification practices, analysis templates, and review expectations for structural and thermomechanical analysis at company.
  • Mentor engineers and analysts; serve as a technical authority for finite element methods, structural mechanics, and thermomechanical design evaluation.
Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • 10+ years of professional finite element analysis experience in nuclear, aerospace, energy, pressure systems, defense, or another high-consequence engineering environment.
  • Deep understanding of structural mechanics, thermomechanics, heat transfer, stress analysis, and finite element methods.
  • Strong experience with NASTRAN for structural, thermal, modal, dynamic, or coupled analysis.
  • Experience evaluating pressure-retaining components, reactor internals, piping, support structures, heat exchangers, high-temperature equipment, or similar safety-critical hardware.
  • Working knowledge of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III.
  • Demonstrated ability to define load cases, boundary conditions, contacts/interfaces, mesh strategies, convergence checks, and model verification approaches.
  • Strong engineering judgment and ability to determine whether analysis results are physically reasonable.
  • Proven ability to write clear technical documentation and defend assumptions, methods, results, and conclusions in rigorous design reviews.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Direct experience with nuclear reactor systems, sodium-cooled reactors, advanced reactors, reactor internals, or nuclear-grade mechanical systems.
  • Experience with fluid-structure interaction, flow-induced vibration, thermal striping, sloshing, acoustic loading, or coupled thermal-hydraulic/structural analysis.
  • Experience evaluating structures and components exposed to neutron irradiation, radiation-induced material degradation, swelling, embrittlement, irradiation creep, or other reactor-environment effects.
  • Experience with ASME Section III Division 1 or Division 5 design-by-analysis methods.
  • Experience with fatigue, creep, creep-fatique, fracture mechanics, ratcheting, shakedown, plastic collapse, or high-temperature structural design.
  • Experience supporting DOE, NRC, national laboratory, or nuclear licensing projects.
  • Familiarity with NQA-1, quality-controlled analysis workflows, model V&V, and configuration-controlled calculation packages.
  • Experience with additional tools such as Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, LS-DYNA, COMSOL, Femap, HyperMesh, Simcenter 3D, or in-house analysis automation.
  • Experience developing analysis automation, post-processing scripts, or standardized workflows using AI, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
Job Details
  • Job Type: Direct Hire
  • Salary: $160-165K
  • Location: Austin, TX (Onsite)

Export control regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.

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