Talent Universe: Lead FEA Engineer - Onshore Wind Turbine Towers

Do you want to be part of Vestas' journey toward a greener future?

Vestas Technology & Operations > Research & Development (R&D) > Tower Structure

The Onshore Tower Structure department at Vestas is integral to the design, certification, and lifecycle management of onshore wind turbine towers. Operating within Vestas' Technology & Operations division, the department focuses on delivering innovative and reliable tower solutions that support both steel and hybrid (steel-concrete) technologies. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates globally to ensure that tower structures meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing structural engineering activities for tower platforms, ensuring continued certification validity and long-term compliance
• Designing and modifying steel and hybrid (steel-concrete) wind turbine towers with a focus on sustainability, structural efficiency, and cost optimization
• Collaborating cross-functionally with certification, sales, compliance, and cost-reduction teams to align structural solutions with business and regulatory objectives
• Coordinating the timely execution of lifecycle engineering tasks in alignment with internal quality processes and external certification timelines
• Acting as subject matter experts in relevant standards, including Eurocode, DiBT, and IEC, applying them effectively in daily engineering tasks and documentation reviews

Responsibilities

• Ensure the structural integrity of onshore wind turbine tower designs through advanced finite element analysis, concentrating on flanges and bolted joint fatigue
• Own the technical authority in ANSYS APDL simulations and Python-based automation for structural evaluation
• Embed FEA best practices into design workflows and collaborate with cross-functional teams across Portugal, Denmark, and India
• Ensure compliance with relevant international design standards including Eurocode, DiBT, and IEC
• Develop and maintain scripting tools for automation, post-processing, and reporting to streamline design verification
• Support root-cause analysis and troubleshooting of structural failures or performance issues
• Act as a technical stakeholder, effectively communicating simulation insights and recommendations to design, quality, and product management teams
• Contribute to strategic decision-making in the Onshore Towers division by elevating simulation-led design methodologies

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with specialization in structural mechanics or computational methods
• Minimum 7 years of industry experience, including 5+ years of practical FEA work on large steel structures (e.g., towers, flanges, bolted joints)
• Demonstrated proficiency in ANSYS APDL, especially in parametric scripting and solver-level control
• Proficient Python programming skills for automation, data processing, and toolchain integration
• Familiarity with Eurocode, DiBT, and IEC standards relevant to wind turbine or structural design
• Experience with Abaqus is considered beneficial
• Power BI scripting or data visualization experience is a plus

Competencies

• Effective leadership presence without formal authority; able to lead multidisciplinary teams and defend technical decisions with clarity and confidence
• Structured, methodological, and strategic problem-solver with a track record of identifying and resolving complex simulation issues
• High attention to detail and a deep sense of ownership and accountability in engineering deliverables
• Comfortable operating in a multicultural, cross-site environment with hybrid work dynamics
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable insights

What we offer

At Vestas, we offer more than just a job; we provide the opportunity to play a crucial role in advancing renewable energy technologies. Within the Onshore Tower Structure department, you will be part of a highly skilled and purpose-driven team contributing to the innovation of wind turbine tower design and certification. We offer a flexible hybrid work environment, global collaboration opportunities, and the chance to help shape international standards in the wind industry. You’ll benefit from continuous professional development, exposure to complex engineering challenges, and the ability to contribute to sustainable energy solutions.

As part of Vestas' global team, you'll be supported by a culture that values open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. We are committed to providing an enriching and flexible work environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Additional information

This is a hybrid position based in Porto, Portugal or Aarhus, Denmark. 

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, therefore, early applications are encouraged. To apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV in English.

Please note: We reserve the right to amend or withdraw this job posting at any time.

Our commitment to fair hiring

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely on professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, please remove any photos, dates of birth, graduation dates, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal details not relevant to the role before submitting your CV. Please keep your CV focused on work and educational details, as well as the necessary information we need to contact you (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

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DEIB Statement
At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas
Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.  Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 173 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field.  With 29,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future.  Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity.  To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.