Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Position Overview:

System One is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program and the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE). This role plays a key part in designing and analyzing mechanical systems that support both the non-nuclear MCRE mockup and the delivery of qualified MCRE hardware. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with vendors, project engineers, and technical leads to help deliver hardware for the first liquid-fueled, fast-spectrum reactor to be constructed and operated at Idaho National Laboratory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate input and requirements from engineering and project teams to develop mechanical design solutions

• Create 3D models of systems, structures, and components using CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred)

• Conduct mechanical analyses including hand calculations and finite element analysis (ANSYS preferred)

• Develop engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.1 and Y14.5 standards

• Draft and maintain technical documentation such as design specifications, mechanical load descriptions, and reports

• Support planning and scheduling of design activities

• Review vendor submittals and manage technical coordination with suppliers

• Present design concepts and analysis results to internal teams and stakeholders

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university with 6+ years of relevant experience, or

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline with 3+ years of experience

• EIT certification or PE license preferred

• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)

• Experience using mechanical analysis tools (ANSYS preferred)

• Demonstrated success in delivering qualified hardware and documentation packages

• Strong attention to detail in reviewing technical documents, drawings, and calculations

• Experience working within a formal quality program (NQA-1 or ISO 9001 preferred)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Job Functions and Working Conditions:

• Motor Abilities: Sitting or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, fine motor control, grasping/gripping

• Physical Requirements: Minimal physical exertion; must be able to safely lift up to 25 lbs

• Work Environment: Office-based, computer-intensive work; may include stairs and typing/keyboarding for extended periods

• Work Hours: Standard 8+ hour workdays

• Travel: Occasional (0–5%)