Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on delivering high-quality mechanical engineering solutions for nuclear power plant projects by analyzing complex problems, developing effective designs, and overseeing the full lifecycle of engineering deliverables. The mechanical engineer evaluates mechanical and electromechanical systems using core engineering principles and provides expert guidance on design processes, construction methods, and engineering change control. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams and clients to define priorities, resolve technical challenges, and ensure that all solutions meet applicable codes, standards, and nuclear quality assurance requirements.
Responsibilities
Complete mechanical engineering projects by analyzing problems, defining technical requirements, and organizing and controlling all project elements from concept through implementation.
Provide expert advice on mechanical design processes and construction methods for nuclear power plant systems and components.
Formulate and direct investigations, proto@type development, model studies, and system analyses, and interpret the resulting data to recommend practical applications and improvements.
Review and validate complex engineering calculations and design deliverables to ensure accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
Analyze mechanical and electromechanical problems and establish general performance specifications for components, equipment, systems, and processes.
Evaluate mechanical and electromechanical systems and products by applying principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials science.
Collaborate with other engineers and project stakeholders to determine project priorities, align on scope, and understand implications of design decisions on the work of others.
Develop effective engineering solutions and define clear, appropriate deliverables that address client needs and resolve identified issues.
Approve work schedules for assigned tasks and recommend additional resources or special equipment when needed to meet project objectives.
Apply working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations related to mechanical engineering design for nuclear power plants.
Incorporate nuclear quality assurance standards into design, documentation, and project execution activities.
Support and, where applicable, implement client Engineering Change Control processes for nuclear power generation utilities.
Communicate clearly with clients and internal teams through well-structured written reports, technical documentation, and verbal presentations.
Manage time effectively across multiple tasks and projects, maintaining strong relationships and trust with station customers and project partners.
Essential Skills
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited school.
5-15 years of relevant mechanical engineering work experience.
Demonstrated experience designing in the nuclear industry.
Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations applicable to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
Working knowledge of Nuclear Quality Assurance Standards.
Ability to perform and review complex engineering calculations and design deliverables.
Proficiency in mechanical design and engineering analysis, including application of mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials principles.
Experience with AutoCAD for mechanical design and drafting.
Background in project engineering, including organizing and controlling project elements and schedules.
Ability to interpret and implement client Engineering Change Control processes for nuclear power generation utilities.
Strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Proven capability to interface effectively with station customers and build trust-based relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate within diverse engineering teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience as a mid-level mechanical engineer supporting the design of nuclear power plants.
Experience providing engineering consulting services in the energy sector.
Ability to provide expert advice on design processes and construction methods.
Experience leading or directing investigations, proto@type development, and system studies.
Comfort working in an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented engineering environment.
Ability to develop a career along either technical or managerial paths within a design engineering organization.
Work Environment
The role supports design engineering for the energy sector, with a strong focus on nuclear power plant projects, and offers the opportunity to work on challenging technical problems alongside a diverse team of engineers. The position can be performed 100% remotely from locations in the Eastern or Central time zones; candidates in other time zones are expected to align their work schedule with Eastern Time. The organization offers flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid work-from-home and office schedule where applicable. You will work in a positive and supportive environment that emphasizes technical excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth, with opportunities to develop your career along both technical and managerial paths. Collaboration tools and engineering design software such as AutoCAD are used regularly to support design, analysis, and project coordination.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $90.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
