Senior Mechanical Engineer (Finite Element Analysis Focus)

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start‑up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Summary The Mechanical Engineer will support advanced engineering analysis and research efforts focused on complex mechanical systems and assemblies, with a strong emphasis on finite element modeling and simulation. This role is responsible for performing high‑fidelity structural and multiphysics analyses to support critical programs, including those involving large‑scale, highly complex models and novel engineering challenges. The successful candidate will also support a cross‑disciplinary project team analyzing and interpreting fastener and joint allowables data per Metallic Material Properties and Development Standardization (MMPDS) guidelines for inclusion into the MMPDS Handbook. The position requires deep expertise in finite element analysis (FEA), including development of custom scripts and subroutines, and the ability to work at the forefront of modeling capabilities—often collaborating with software developers and technical experts to solve problems beyond standard tool applications. This role will play a key part in sustaining and advancing advanced FEA capabilities supporting high‑visibility and mission‑critical programs. Responsibilities Perform advanced finite element modeling and analysis (FEA) on complex mechanical assemblies and systems. Develop and implement custom scripts and user subroutines for simulation. Conduct structural, fracture mechanics, and multiphysics analyses of metal, non‑metal, and composite components and assemblies. Analyze material, fastener, and joint allowables data per MMPDS guidelines. Write, review, and present MMPDS Agenda Items at bi‑annual meetings. Collaborate with software vendors (Abaqus, ANSYS) on advanced modeling challenges. Support critical programs requiring high‑confidence analyses. Compile and evaluate design and test data and prepare technical recommendations. Prepare reports and present findings to stakeholders. Participate in technical conferences, peer review panels, industry committee meetings, and other forums to increase company visibility. Travel ~10%. Lead or support technical projects and ensure quality and schedule adherence. Mentor junior engineers and guide analysis methodology. Key Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant technical field. Five plus years of experience in a safety focused industry such as aerospace, nuclear, or power generation with experience in structural design. Demonstrated experience in advanced FEA on complex systems. Strong background in structural analysis or fracture mechanics. Experience with scripting or custom simulation tools. Ability to work independently on complex analysis problems. Technical Writing and Presenting. Strong communication skills. Experience mentoring junior staff. Willingness and ability to learn new modeling software. Preferred Qualifications Experience with large‑scale, high‑complexity models. Proficiency in Abaqus and ANSYS. Experience supporting government or defense programs. Background in nuclear, aerospace, marine, and/or automotive industries. Subject Matter Expertise in at least two of the following: Fatigue, Damage Tolerance, Fastener Analysis, Joint Allowables Development, Machine Design. Multiphysics modeling experience. Active or ability to obtain a security clearance. Compensation Data Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $82,000 –$117,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions. Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time. Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs. Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated. Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits. Better together : Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support. Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education. A Work Environment Where You Succeed For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to: Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects. Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery. Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment. Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders. Give back to and improve our communities. Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws). Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle. The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr Battelle Memorial Institute