Sr. Finite Element Analysis Engineer

At Starkey, we are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. As a world leader in the manufacturing and delivering of advanced hearing solutions, we go to work each day to ensure every person on the planet has the opportunity to hear their very best. Founded in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems.

Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Starkey has more than 5,000 employees globally, operates 29+ facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Here's a video about the people behind Starkey's groundbreaking innovation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjhRQ7qzlI0

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for driving design optimization through proactive material, structural, assembly simulations and analysis ensuring that the new products meet performance, quality, manufacturing, and cost requirements. Must possess the communication ability, technical expertise, creativity, and internal drive to lead the creation of designs that are recognized as best- in-class in the hearing aid industry. Must be experienced in leading failure analysis and Design of Experiments. Must be able to work well in a team environment and have a passion for continuous improvement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

• Develop Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models for new hearing aids, accessories and sub-systems. Adjust and iterate models as needed to optimize the design.
• Develop parametric modeling; identify key critical-to-quality/performance design parameters.
• Generate relevant engineering specifications in partnership with NPD teams.
• Perform static, dynamic, and transient analysis.
• Proactively engage with NPD teams to identify design optimization opportunities.
• Drive material characterization and empirical testing plans as needed to validate the FEA models.
• Develop Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to simulate different ingress and acoustic effects.
• Drive failure analysis and DOE to identify root causes.
• Document reports and summarize recommendations to the project teams.
• Continuously improve, standardize and implement best practices for the FEA simulation process to drive efficiency and speed. Partner with external and internal key stakeholders to identify infrastructure opportunities.
• Research and identify new outside technologies in the material analysis and simulation domain.

• Perform other duties commensurate with a "senior" engineer role.
  
  
  
  • Mentor, train, and provide work direction to other engineers and designers.
  
  
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited school is required. Masters or PhD preferred in the area of FEA simulation domain.

Experience

• Bachelors with minimum of 7 years FEA experience in a product development environment required; Or MS+ 5years, PhD + 2 years. Consumer electronics or medical device industry experience preferred.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Proficiency in FEA software required. Proficiency with ANSYS strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with nonlinear, static and transient, structural simulation
• Proficiency with nonlinear material and deformation simulations
• Experience with CFD preferred.
• Experience with multi physics simulations preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of materials and processes used to manufacture injection molded plastic, stamped metal, and elastomeric components required.
• Advanced knowledge of product development best practices (i.e. DFM, DOE, DFMEA, Lean PD, etc....) required.
• Intermediate understanding and experience with various pieces of test equipment required.
• Proven ability to perform complex engineering analysis and calculations required.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to work well in a team environment required.
• Ability to work with minimal guidance to make decisions and report progress required.
• Requires personal communication and conduct skills at a professional level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must be a self-starter with high initiative.
• Demonstrated leadership role in projects including ability to provide guidance and direction on the project to less experienced technical personnel required.
• Ability to keep current with new technologies and industry trends required.

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