Nuclear Pipe Stress Analysis Engineer

Structural Integrity Associates (SI) seeks a Piping Analysis Engineer with a strong foundation in the design, analysis, and evaluation of piping systems governed by ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III, Division 1, and ASME B31 pressure piping codes. The successful candidate will perform and review piping stress, fatigue, flexibility, and dynamic analyses supporting operating plant assessments, system modifications, license renewal, power uprates, legacy analysis conversions, and advanced reactor designs.

This position supports SI's Nuclear Business Unit and contributes to projects involving thermal fatigue, vibration, seismic qualification, high-temperature service, degraded-condition evaluations, and fitness-for-service of piping and components. The ideal candidate is analytically strong, detail-oriented, adaptable to both modern and legacy piping analysis methods, and eager to learn from industry leaders who helped develop the ASME Code methods used today.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform and review piping stress, flexibility, fatigue, and support-load analyses in accordance with ASME Section III, Division 1, including Subsections NB, NC, ND, and NF, and applicable ASME B31.1 Power Piping and ASME B31.3 Process Piping requirements.
• Develop and evaluate load cases and combinations for pressure, deadweight, thermal expansion, seismic, vibration, water hammer, relief-valve thrust, and other static and dynamic loads in nuclear, fossil, and industrial applications.
• Build, modify, troubleshoot, and independently check piping models using commercial and legacy analysis software, including AutoPIPE, CAESAR II, PIPESTRESS, ME101, ANSYS, or comparable tools.
• Evaluate piping flexibility, equipment-nozzle loads, pipe supports and restraints, thermal transients, thermal stratification, vibration, and fatigue life.
• Develop calculation packages, design reports, engineering justifications, and technical recommendations supporting new designs, plant modifications, operability, or continued operation.
• Support failure evaluations, wall-thinning assessments, flaw evaluations, and fitness-for-service analyses for degraded piping and components.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including materials, metallurgy, chemistry, finite element analysis, vibration, fracture mechanics, and plant engineering, to develop integrated solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, present results in client meetings, support field activities as needed, and contribute to proposals and scope development for new work.
• Contribute to internal tools, automation scripts, calculation templates, process improvements, and best-practice guidance for piping analysis and integrity evaluations.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical or Civil Engineering; M.S. preferred.
• 3 to 10 years of experience performing piping stress, flexibility, fatigue, or dynamic analysis in power generation, nuclear, process, or industrial facilities.
• Working knowledge of ASME Section III, Division 1 piping design and analysis rules, particularly Class 1, 2, and 3 requirements under Subsections NB, NC, and ND, or demonstrated experience with ASME B31.1 and/or ASME B31.3.
• Proficiency with one or more commercial piping analysis programs, such as AutoPIPE, CAESAR II, PIPESTRESS, or ANSYS, and the ability to interpret, verify, and clearly communicate complex analysis results.
• Understanding of piping layout and flexibility, support and restraint behavior, equipment interface loads, thermal transients, vibration, and dynamic response.
• Strong engineering judgment, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and technical writing capability.
• Ability to work independently, review the work of others, and collaborate effectively within cross-disciplinary project teams.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required for certain nuclear projects.

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience supporting nuclear plant design, operating plant modifications, license renewal or subsequent license renewal, power uprates, or advanced reactor programs.

• Experience analyzing high-temperature piping systems, including service temperatures above 800 degrees F.

• Experience with legacy piping models, software, and plant design bases, including the ability to interpret or convert models developed in programs such as ME101 or earlier versions of PIPESTRESS.

• Familiarity with fracture mechanics, fatigue monitoring, environmentally assisted fatigue, thermal stratification, or fatigue evaluation methods.

• Exposure to vibration field testing, flow-induced vibration diagnostics, operating deflection shape analysis, or troubleshooting of dynamic piping response.

• Understanding of fitness-for-service methodologies, including API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, and familiarity with nuclear QA programs and industry guidance such as 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, EPRI, ASME, and WRC publications.

• Experience with, or demonstrated interest and ability in, performing detailed finite element analysis and local stress evaluations of piping and piping components.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in one or more U.S. states

Pay Range:
The expected annual salary range for this role $90,240 - $153,800 in San Jose, CA; $77,440 - $130,100 in Denver, CO; and $78,320 – $121,100 in Charlotte, NC. Exact pay will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location.

Application Deadline:
This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. To ensure full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest opportunity.

Export Control Notice:
Certain positions at SI may require access to information and technology which is subject to Export Administration Regulations 15 CFR 730-774, including those of the US Department of Energy (DOE) in 10 CFR 810 and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 10 CFR Part 110. Hiring decisions for such positions must comply with these regulations and may result in SI limiting its consideration of foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the DOE’s Generally Authorized Destinations List: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-III/part-810/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%20810.

About Us:
SIA is an engineering consulting firm serving various industries including Nuclear Power, Energy Services, Pipeline Integrity, and Critical Infrastructure. Join a team of internationally recognized experts in a culture based on knowledge, excellence, and respect for one another. Our employees are members of a distinct community of internationally respected professionals committed to quality, engineering innovation and a shared goal of building a safer world.

Why Work at SIA?
SIA offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus program. Our retirement benefits include a Traditional 401k, Roth 401k, and an employer match. To help employees maintain a work-life balance, SIA also offers various paid time off including vacation, floating holidays, sick time, and parental leave.

Our employees also enjoy a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account for health care and dependent care
• ID theft protection and credit monitoring

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

www.structint.com

SIA does not welcome third-party recruiters, employment agencies, headhunters, etc. Please do not reach out to SIA employees requesting a call, sit down, meeting, or email response.

Candidate information may be verified during the hiring process. Inaccurate, deceptive, or mass-generated applications may be disqualified from consideration.