Mechanical Engineer, Design and Analysis - USNC

DESCRIPTION:

The Mechanical Engineer will lead the mechanical design and analysis of various portions of USNC's advanced nuclear power systems ranging from transportable reactor power system (Pylon), Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) to Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) based Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) in addition to the Micro Modular Reactor (MMR). The Senior Mechanical Engineer will own the mechanical design and analysis at a system level, understanding requirements, identifying engineering needs, developing project plans, and leading the team through the process from design to build. This role will be a combination of technical leadership and individual technical contribution. This position will bring expertise leading and performing mechanical, thermal, and structural design with specific experience relevant to the design of nuclear and power generating systems. The position will lead the mechanical design, analysis, and testing, with scope including mechanical design and analysis of the reactor vessel, reactor plant structures, systems, and components, including heat exchangers, heat rejection systems, piping networks, valves, and control assemblies. This is complex, multi-disciplinary work that requires outside-the-box thinking and close attention to detail.

LOCATION OF WORK & TRAVEL:

The position may function from multiple USNC offices at Seattle, WA, Salt Lake City, UT, or Oak Ridge, TN. Ability to travel no more than ~1 week per month is expected in this position. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaboratively leading the integrated mechanical system design of nuclear power system
• Developing reactor core components from concept to implementation. An early focus will be the design of the reactor vessel and internals, including core support plates, restraints, insulation, and structural mounts. 
• Analyzing the mechanical and thermal aspects of reactor design elements. For example, use or direct the use of Finite Element Analysis software to determine the impact of vibration, thermal expansion, and structural loading on components. 
• Documenting design decisions and write technical reports.  
• Acting as the mechanical engineering point of contact for external partners and customers directly interfacing with the program.  
• Developing test plans, design test infrastructure, and execute tests during development test campaigns. 
• Organizing effective resource loading amongst the team, estimate engineering utilization/needs and support program management in building a program plan to manage product development. 
• Continually fostering an environment of communication and collaboration not only on the team you lead but also with adjacent teams as well. 
• Demonstrating the ability to be self-motivated by proactively identifying, prioritizing, and executing tasks in a fast-moving environment.  
• Demonstrating the ability to communicate technical information to high level stakeholders and customers.   
• Displaying strong commitment to employee safety and well-being. 
• Displaying commitment to inclusive and collaborative work environment 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in mechanical, nuclear, or related engineering field: 
  
  • B.S. with 3+ years of experience or M.S.  
    
• Proven experience in CAD/CAM design, including proficiency in software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX, or equivalent
• Proven experience using common finite element based thermal and structural analysis tools (Ansys, Abaqus, Simcenter 3D, Thermal Desktop, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Preferred licensed Professional Engineer credentials 
• Preferred experience designing ASME BPVC compliant components 
• Preferred experience working under an ASME NQA-1 design program 
• Preferred experience designing safety-critical components in nuclear, aerospace, medical, or other highly regulated, high-consequence applications
• Preferred experience with the design, analysis, and test of nuclear components 
• Must have working knowledge or be familiar with SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION:

USNC embraces diversity and equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are striving to build the diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that will make our technology a reality. USNC actively encourages applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply to this and other roles, acknowledging and committing to address the historical lack of diversity within the nuclear and aerospace industries.

USNC does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

COMPENSATION:

$95,000 - $113,700 USD yearly

This position is eligible to participate in our performance bonus plan.

BENEFITS:

In addition to our base compensation package, Ultra Safe Nuclear also offers:

• 36 days of paid time off per year
• 11 paid holidays
• A generous PPO or HSA health insurance plan, available at no cost for employee coverage
• A dental insurance plan, available at no cost for employee coverage
• A vision insurance plan, available at no cost for employee coverage
• Access to a commuter benefit
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance provided at no cost
• A 401(k) plan which includes a discretionary employer match
• Voluntary Life Insurance is also available

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here. 

USNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with USNC is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. 

ABOUT ULTRA SAFE NUCLEAR:

Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, a U.S. corporation headquartered in Seattle, is a global leader and vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services, on Earth and in Space. Major initiatives include the Micro Modular Reactor (MMR®), Fully Ceramic Micro-encapsulated (FCM®) nuclear fuel, and nuclear power and propulsion technologies for space exploration. The company is demonstrating MMR Energy Systems at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories with Ontario Power Generation and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. New deployment projects underway in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Ultra Safe Nuclear is committed to bringing safe, commercially competitive, clean and reliable nuclear energy to global power and industrial markets. Ultra Safe Nuclear is working with NASA and the Defense Department on advanced radioisotope power, nuclear thermal propulsion systems and advanced materials using the same strict inherent and intrinsic safety principles to drive innovation in fuels, materials, and design.

Ultra Safe Nuclear is the only private company producing TRISO and FCM fuel. This is enabling the transformation of key power and industrial sectors.

ABOUT OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES:

• Mission - Develop, deploy and vertically integrate nuclear energy solutions, inclusive of hardware, fuel, execution and operational know how, that are safe and commercially competitive.

• Vision - Reliable Zero-Carbon Energy Anywhere

• Values - We will engage with and support our employees, contractors, vendors, clients, business partners, and our host communities to uphold and embrace these values:
  • Safety: protect the public, our people, and the environment from harm from our activities or products.
  • Quality: develop a superior product that meets the requirements of our clients and communities.
  • Expediency: build on experience and use the latest technological tools to create value and deliver the best products and outcomes.
  • Character: treat each other with fairness, respect, care, and honesty.
  • Cooperation: excel individually and together in everything we do. We will achieve greatness through cooperation.