Mechanical Engineer - FEA Analysis

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on supporting the design and development of advanced reactor systems through high-quality finite element analysis (FEA) and structural performance evaluations. You will analyze complex components and assemblies under various loading conditions to assess structural integrity, identify potential failure modes, and provide critical input to engineering design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Perform static and transient mechanical finite element analyses (FEA) of complex components and assemblies.
• Evaluate structural behavior and failure modes, including stress, strain, buckling, ratcheting, and fatigue.
• Develop clear and comprehensive engineering calculations, technical reports, and analysis documentation.
• Assess designs against defined engineering requirements and performance criteria to ensure structural adequacy and reliability.
• Support design optimization and qualification activities through analytical and simulation-based evaluations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support product and system development and integrate analysis results into design decisions.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience performing finite element analysis and structural simulations.
• Hands-on experience evaluating structural failure modes, including stress, strain, fatigue, buckling, and ratcheting.
• Experience performing static and transient mechanical analyses.
• Proficiency with ANSYS or similar simulation tools (ANSYS Simulation experience preferred).
• Strong ability to develop engineering calculations and technical documentation that clearly communicate analysis methods and results.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 20 years of relevant engineering experience preferred, with a focus on structural analysis and FEA.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with COMSOL or similar multiphysics simulation tools is preferred.
• Experience in supporting design and qualification activities for complex mechanical or structural systems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate analysis findings into practical design recommendations.

Work Environment

This is a remote position that allows you to perform advanced analysis work from a flexible location while collaborating virtually with multidisciplinary engineering teams. The role relies heavily on modern simulation tools such as ANSYS and potentially COMSOL, along with standard engineering software for documentation and reporting. The environment emphasizes professional autonomy, clear communication, and high technical standards. The position offers paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) as part of the overall benefits package.

This is a Contract position based out of Knoxville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract position based out of Knoxville, TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.