Sr Mechanical Engineer

This is a remote position.

Design Hire is seeking an experienced Mechanical / Structural Engineer to support the design and structural analysis of reactor vessel internals for an advanced nuclear energy project.

This position requires strong hands-on experience with finite element analysis (FEA), particularly ANSYS, along with the ability to evaluate complex structural behavior, process large analytical datasets, and support engineering decisions involving high-temperature operating conditions.

The ideal candidate will have experience with ASME Section III, Division 5, including high-temperature structural design considerations, creep, and fatigue analysis. This is an immediate engineering need with project funding extending through the design and build phases of the reactor vessel internals.

Key Responsibilities

• Finite Element Analysis & Modeling: Develop, execute, and refine detailed finite element models using ANSYS to evaluate the structural performance of mechanical components and reactor vessel internals under various loading conditions.
  
• Structural & Thermal Analysis: Perform linear and nonlinear structural evaluations, including stress, strain, deformation, thermal loading, and high-temperature material behavior. Evaluate creep, fatigue, and creep-fatigue interactions as applicable.
  
• Data Processing & Technical Evaluation: Post-process large volumes of FEA results, extract critical engineering data, identify areas of concern, and interpret analytical findings to support design decisions.
  
• Code Compliance & Engineering Documentation: Support structural evaluations in accordance with applicable ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements, particularly Section III, Division 5. Prepare detailed engineering calculations, analysis reports, technical summaries, and supporting documentation.
  
• Design & Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical engineers, structural engineers, designers, and other technical disciplines to evaluate component designs, resolve engineering challenges, and support design development through fabrication and construction.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline preferred.
  
• Demonstrated experience performing finite element analysis and structural modeling using ANSYS, including model development, meshing, boundary conditions, loading, solver execution, and results interpretation.
  
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, stress analysis, material behavior, and engineering design principles.
  
• Experience post-processing large analytical datasets, evaluating complex simulation results, and preparing technical reports.
  
• Experience with or familiarity with ASME Section III, Division 5, particularly high-temperature structural design and analysis.
  
• Knowledge of high-temperature material behavior, including creep, fatigue, and creep-fatigue interaction.
  
• Experience with nuclear engineering, reactor components, pressure vessels, high-temperature equipment, or other highly engineered mechanical systems preferred.
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to independently execute engineering analyses and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
  

Preferred Technical Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas will be particularly well suited for this opportunity:

• ANSYS Mechanical, including nonlinear finite element analysis.
  
• Thermal-mechanical stress analysis and temperature-dependent material properties.
  
• High-temperature structural integrity and component life assessment.
  
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section III, Division 5.
  
• Creep deformation, fatigue life, and creep-fatigue damage evaluations.
  
• Advanced data extraction, automation, and post-processing of large simulation datasets.
  
• Structural analysis of reactor vessel internals, pressure-retaining components, or complex mechanical assemblies.
  
• Engineering analysis supporting detailed design, fabrication, and construction.
  

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility: If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.