Senior Finite Element Analysis Fea Engineer - W - M H/F Inocel

INOCEL is a French company in the industrial energy transition, specialized in the design and commercialization of modular, freeemission hydrogen generators. Our solutions deliver continuous and reliable power to critical industries - from data centers to construction sites and remote locations - without compromising performance.

Backed by more than 25 years of research on hydrogen fuel cells, we offer modular generators for both stationary and mobile applications: GENZ 300, GENZ 600, and GENZ 1300. Beyond equipment, INOCEL provides turnkey solutions, including integration, maintenance, and advanced monitoring to ensure reliability, performance, and durability.

With industrial production in Belfort and R&D centers in Grenoble and Cannes, INOCEL combines innovation, technological expertise, and positive environmental impact. Our scalable and silent solutions enable partners worldwide to transition toward a zerocarbon future, reinforcing our international vision and our role as a global leader in hydrogen energy.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Engineer to support the development of next-generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems.

The successful candidate will lead structural and thermo-mechanical analyses of high-temperature components and assemblies used in SOFC hot sections and Balance of Plant (BoP) equipment operating in the 500-800°C temperature range.

The role requires deep expertise in finite element modeling of metallic structures exposed to elevated temperatures, thermal gradients, creep, thermal expansion, and cyclic operating conditions. The engineer will work closely with mechanical design, system, thermal, and manufacturing teams to ensure the reliability, durability, and safety of SOFC hot boxes and associated high-temperature equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural, thermal, and thermo-mechanical finite element analyses of SOFC hot-zone components and assemblies.

• Develop and validate FEA models for:

• Hot boxes and insulated enclosures

• Manifolds and ducting systems

• Heat exchangers

• Burners and combustion equipment

• Flanges and bolted joints

• Bellows and expansion joints

• High-temperature support structures

• Piping and gas distribution systems

• Evaluate component performance under:

• Steady-state and transient thermal loading

• Thermal gradients

• Internal and external pressure loads

• Mechanical loads and constraints

• Thermal expansion and differential expansion

• Fatigue and thermal cycling

• Creep and stress relaxation

• Buckling and stability conditions

• Conduct linear and nonlinear analyses, including material and geometric nonlinearities.

• Define and apply realistic boundary conditions based on system operating requirements.

• Support material selection and design optimization for elevated-temperature service.

• Correlate simulation results with prototype testing and experimental data.

• Identify design risks and recommend engineering improvements to increase reliability and service life.

• Prepare technical reports, design assessments, and engineering recommendations.

• Collaborate with design engineers to develop robust, manufacturable solutions.

• Contribute to design reviews and technical decision-making throughout product development.

What we expect

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum 7 years of industrial experience in finite element analysis of high-temperature equipment and structures.

• Proven experience performing thermo-mechanical analyses for systems operating between 500°C and 800°C.

• Strong knowledge of high-temperature material behavior, including:

• Austenitic and ferritic stainless steels

• Nickel-based alloys such as Inconel

• Welded structures operating at elevated temperatures

• Experience assessing:

• Thermal expansion effects

• Creep deformation

• Thermal fatigue

• Low-cycle fatigue (LCF)

• Stress relaxation

• High-temperature structural integrity

• Proficiency with leading FEA software such as:

• ANSYS Mechanical

• Abaqus

• COMSOL Multiphysics

• Siemens Simcenter 3D / Nastran

• Equivalent advanced simulation tools

• Ability to develop detailed finite element models and interpret complex simulation results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fuel cells, SOFC systems, hydrogen technologies, energy systems, industrial furnaces, gas turbines, or high-temperature process equipment.

• Familiarity with pressure equipment and piping standards, including ASME, EN, PED, and related design codes.

• Knowledge of material constitutive models for creep, viscoplasticity, and fatigue.

• Experience with coupled thermal-fluid-structural simulations.

• Understanding of insulation systems and heat transfer mechanisms in high-temperature equipment.

• Experience supporting prototype development, testing, and validation activities.

• Knowledge of Design for Reliability (DfR) methodologies.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to translate simulation results into practical engineering recommendations.

• Excellent technical reporting and presentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Attention to detail and commitment to engineering rigor.

What we offer

- A highimpact position within a fast-growing company

- An ambitious, supportive, and forwardlooking team

Compensation & Benefits

- An attractive compensation package defined according to experience.

- Health insurance

- Meal vouchers (€9.48/day)