FEA Analyst

Who We Are
Integrity. Quality. Commitment and Innovation.
These are our values and not only what we stand by but what we stand for. We believe in empowering people. We create and deliver solutions. We give back to community. We think differently and we do it better. Our innovative spirit has driven us to continually evolve and deliver solutions to our dealers and our community and made us a business that our people are proud of and proud to work for.
Waratah NZ Limited (a John Deere Company) has proudly served the global forestry industry for more than 50 years, pioneering mechanized harvesting with first-class products of distinct quality, durability, and reliability paired with unparalleled customer support.
With John Deere, we run so life can leap forward. This powerful purpose is our promise to humankind that we will dream, design, and deliver breakthrough products that sustain our world for generations to come. The world is counting on us to feed billions of people and build vital infrastructures in villages, towns and megacities. And we live up to the legacy our founder forged in a one-room blacksmith's shop nearly two centuries ago by creating a culture that brings out the best in all of us. A culture where great ideas thrive because every voice is heard.
Title: FEA Analyst
Primary Location New Zealand - Tokoroa
Job Grade: 7
Hiring Manager: Phil Waterhouse
The Opportunity
Own the planning, coordinating, analysis, and reporting for a complete project of moderate scope or a significant portion or sub-system of a major and and diverse project with timely completion of scheduled tests, improved test cycle times and reduced design iterations for forestry attachments .
What you will be responsible for• Approaches all tasks in a safe manor. Engaging with key stakeholders, documenting risk assessments, and developing mitigation plans to support goals.• Develops and delivers robust PV&V plans/schedules and executes to meet projects following technology delivery process (TDP) and Integrated System Development Process (ISDP) in support of the Enterprise Product Delivery Process (EPDP) and Continuous Improvement program commitments including milestone and gate reviews.• Evaluates design solutions to improve durability, cost, quality, and performance based on specialized knowledge of engineering simulation software applications to perform finite element analysis. This may include possible involvement of other functional engineers, and/or subject matter experts.• Compiles and documents necessary information (Engineering decisions and reports of pertinent design analyses data) to document the optimum design solution required for building of our structures and adoption of the design with possible involvement of other functional engineers.• Uses fundamental engineering calculations and data analysis on critical components to ensure quality of design and to reduce risk.• Delivers continuous improvements in PV&V analysis processes used at Waratah NZ.• Engages with other John Deere Forestry PV&V groups in order to leverage analysis and test capabilities that are not core within the Waratah facility, supporting development and strategy alignment.
What will make you successful in the role
Solid Understanding of Mechanics and Materials

• Knowledge of strength of materials, stress-strain relationships, and failure theories.
• Ability to interpret material properties like yield strength, fatigue limits, and fracture toughness.

Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Tools

• Expertise in software such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS.
• Skills in creating accurate models, applying boundary conditions, and validating results.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to interpret complex loading conditions and simplify them into solvable models.
• Strong mathematical foundation for stress calculations and optimization.

Attention to Detail and Quality Assurance

• Capability to spot anomalies in results and ensure compliance with design standards.
• Understanding of industry codes and regulations (e.g., ASME, ISO).

Applications for this position will close at COB 9th December 2025.
Note: Appropriate work authorisations are required in this country prior to application.
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.
Waratah believes in the power of diversity in the workforce and we and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Waratah. Built to Produce. Built to Last. Built to Work.