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Finite Element Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Staffing, LLC

Sr. Engineer (Structural)

San Diego, CA

$90K - $95K/yr

Use finite element software and engineering judgment for technical solutions. * Support multidisciplinary design teams and deliver high-quality engineering outcomes. Requirements * Master's degree in ...

K2 Staffing, LLC

Sr. Engineer (Structural)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Use finite element software and engineering judgment for technical solutions. * Support multidisciplinary design teams and deliver high-quality engineering outcomes. Requirements * Master's degree in ...

K2 Staffing

Sr. Engineer (Structural)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

Use finite element software and engineering judgment for technical solutions. * Support multidisciplinary design teams and deliver high-quality engineering outcomes. Requirements * Masters degree in ...

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Finite Element Software Developer information

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$241.5K

How much do finite element software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for finite element software developer in the United States is $100,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles.

What are some typical challenges faced by Finite Element Software Developers when integrating new computational features into existing codebases?

Finite Element Software Developers often encounter challenges such as maintaining code efficiency and stability while integrating new algorithms or features into complex legacy codebases. Ensuring compatibility with diverse hardware architectures and third-party libraries can also be demanding. Additionally, thorough testing and validation are crucial to guarantee numerical accuracy and performance, which may require close collaboration with domain experts and end-users. Balancing innovation with robust documentation and user support is another common aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Finite Element Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Finite Element Software Developer, you need a solid background in computational mechanics, numerical methods, and software engineering, often supported by a degree in engineering, physics, or computer science. Experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, or Fortran, and familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) tools and libraries (like Abaqus, ANSYS, or open-source FEA frameworks) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help developers deliver robust and innovative simulation solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing accurate, efficient, and user-friendly FEA software that meets the needs of engineers and researchers.

What are Finite Element Software Developers?

Finite Element Software Developers are engineers or computer scientists who design, develop, and maintain software that uses the finite element method (FEM) to solve complex engineering and physics problems. They work on creating algorithms and user interfaces for simulation tools used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering. Their responsibilities include coding, debugging, optimizing computational performance, and ensuring the software accurately models real-world phenomena. These professionals often collaborate with domain experts and end-users to enhance the usability and functionality of the software.

Are FEA engineers in demand?

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) engineers are in high demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing due to their expertise in simulation and structural analysis. Employers seek professionals skilled in FEA software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL, often requiring strong engineering backgrounds and certifications. The role offers good job stability and growth opportunities as simulation becomes integral to product development and testing.

Can I make 100k as a software developer?

Finite Element Software Developers with specialized skills in simulation, modeling, and programming languages like C++ or Python can earn salaries of $100,000 or more, especially with experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries. Salary levels vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise, but reaching six figures is achievable in this role.

What is the difference between Finite Element Software Developer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFinite Element Software DeveloperMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; engineering fundamentals
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, R&D labs, simulation software companiesManufacturing, design firms, research institutions
Industry UsageDevelops simulation tools used by engineers across industriesDesigns and analyzes mechanical systems and products

The main difference is that Finite Element Software Developers focus on creating and maintaining simulation software, while Mechanical Engineers apply these tools to design and analyze physical systems. Both roles require technical expertise, but their daily tasks and objectives differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Finite Element Software Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 12% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 12% Temporary, and 44% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,265 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Senior Finite Element Software Developer

Sinopec Tech Houston

Houston, TX

$52 - $68.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Our company has an immediate opening for a Senior Finite Element Software Developer. This role is responsible for designing and developing advanced 3D finite element (FEM) simulation software that fully couples solid mechanics and fluid flow. The software will be used to model subsurface stresses, deformation, and reservoir behavior for Earth modeling, geomechanics analysis, and reservoir simulation. The developer will work closely with geoscientists and engineers to build high‑performance FEM capabilities that support our company’s upstream projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Lead development of innovative FEM software using our in‑house parallel computing framework.
  • Design and implement numerical models, efficient solvers, and simulation workflows for geomechanics and reservoir modeling in Windows and Linux environments.
  • Collaborate with GUI developers to build pre‑ and post‑processing tools and graphical user interfaces for the FEM platform.
  • Architect, develop, and maintain core software components and contribute to testing and validation. Ensure software quality through clean architecture, code reviews, and performance optimization.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation for models, algorithms, and software modules.
  • Share expertise and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to support project execution.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
  • Strong and proven programming skills in Fortran, Python, or similar scientific/compiled languages.  
  • Expert‑level knowledge and hands‑on experience with numerical methods (e.g., FEM, FDM) and scientific computing.
  • Proven experience with parallel computing, high‑performance computing, and scalable numerical algorithms.
  • Proficiency developing in both Linux and Windows environments.
  • Practical experience across the full software development lifecycle, including architecture, implementation, testing, and maintenance.
  • Ability to design and implement new computational architectures and frameworks.
  • Experience with 3D visualization or scientific graphics is a plus.
  • Software development experience in numerical analysis, reservoir simulation, geoscience, or geomechanics is preferred.
  • Strong analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving abilities; organized and detail‑oriented.
  • Self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver high‑quality work independently.
  • High degree of integrity and discipline to meet deadlines and handle confidential IP.
  • Team‑oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanics, Geomechanics, Geology, or a related technical field involving computational modeling or coding.
  • 5+ years of experience as a Software Engineer/Developer in FEM software programming or scientific modeling.
  • Advisor‑level consideration available for highly experienced candidates.
  • Some domestic and international travel may be required (normally <10%).
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
 

Disclaimers: The foregoing statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of this role and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of this position. The specifics of this job description will be updated from time to time, as appropriate and required.
STHC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr.sthc@sinopec.com or you may call us at 1-832-831-1200.
Apply directly to this job posting by visiting our website: www.sinopecthc.com
To all recruitment agencies: We are not responsible for any fee related to unsolicited resumes from 3rd party staffing and recruiting agencies (whether submitted through this website or sent directly to employees) unless a written agreement is in place between the agency and Sinopec Tech Houston, LLC. (“Company”) and an authorized Company representative makes a written request to the agency to assist with this requisition. Similarly, no fee will be paid for candidates who apply and claim to be represented by an agency. Any unsolicited resumes, CVs, or other candidate information submitted by an agency will become the property of Company, and no fee will be paid in the event such candidate is hired.
 

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