Senior Nuclear Mechanical Structural Analysis Engineer

Job Description: Senior Nuclear Mechanical / Structural Analysis Engineer (Reactor Internals)

Position Summary
The Senior Nuclear Mechanical/Structural Analysis Engineer is responsible for performing advanced structural, thermal, and seismic analyses in support of nuclear reactor components—particularly Reactor Vessel Internals (RVI). This role requires deep expertise in ASME Section III design, nonlinear finite element analysis, and engineering evaluation of safety?related structures. The engineer will support design, qualification, configuration management, and lifecycle assessment of reactor internals and related components.

Key Responsibilities
Structural & Mechanical Analysis

• Perform linear and nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS Mechanical, including contact modeling, plasticity, creep, buckling, and fracture evaluation.
• Conduct seismic analysis (response spectrum, time-history) and flow-induced vibration (FIV) assessments for nuclear components.
• Evaluate stresses, strains, deflections, and fatigue in accordance with ASME Section III, Subsections NB/NG.
• Prepare analysis reports that document methodology, assumptions, calculations, results, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Nuclear Component Design & Qualification

• Support design, modification, and qualification of Reactor Vessel Internals (core support structures, lower/upper internals, baffle-former assemblies, hold-down springs, fuel alignment components).
• Provide engineering review for safety?related components to ensure conformance with licensing bases, materials requirements, and environmental conditions.

Drawing Review & Technical Documentation

• Perform engineering review and verification of drawings to ensure dimensional accuracy, tolerancing [Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing(GD&T)], and technical compliance.
• Provide redlines, engineering dispositions, and design change packages as required.
• Support configuration management and document control processes.

Regulatory & Code Compliance

• Apply ASME Section III rules, NRC guidance, industry codes (ASME BPVC, RCC?M, etc.), and utility specifications to all work.
• Participate in design reviews, safety evaluations, and audits.

Cross Functional Support

• Work with manufacturing, procurement, and field service teams to resolve technical issues related to fabrication, installation, inspection, or degradation of reactor internals.
• Provide subject?matter expertise for outage support, emergent issue resolution, and root-cause evaluations as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years experience in nuclear mechanical or structural analysis.
• Proficiency in ANSYS Mechanical (linear, nonlinear, contact modeling, thermal-stress, modal, seismic).
• Deep knowledge of ASME Section III, including NB/NG component rules.
• Experience with Reactor Vessel Internals, core support structures, or other Class 1 nuclear components.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, drawing standards, and manufacturing tolerances.
• Ability to write clear, defensible analysis reports suitable for regulatory scrutiny.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FIV or thermal?hydraulic coupling.
• Experience with aging management, fatigue evaluations, or bolting integrity for reactor internals.
• Familiarity with industry databases such as EPRI materials handbooks.
• Prior experience at Westinghouse, Framatome, GEH, or a major utility engineering group.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.
• US citizen or ability to meet nuclear access requirements (as applicable).

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem?solving skills
• Effective technical communication
• Attention to detail in calculations and document review
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Collaboration across disciplines (design, manufacturing, field services)

Ref: #180-Eng Madison