Job Description:
The remote Mechanical Engineer will support reactor internal component projects by developing design specifications, maturing design concepts, providing procurement and supplier support, and generating detailed drawings and design documentation. This role sits on the mechanical component design team but focuses primarily on supplier support and the evaluation of fabrication-related changes, rather than direct new design efforts. The engineer will execute analysis, design, testing, and integration activities to ensure components meet business standards and technical requirements, while collaborating closely with sourcing and fabrication partners.
Responsibilities:
Develop and refine design specifications and concepts for mechanical components associated with reactor internal systems.
Create, review, and update detailed drawings and engineering design documentation to support fabrication and manufacturing activities.
Provide technical support to sourcing teams, including assessment of fabricators and coordination of technical interfaces with suppliers.
Evaluate and process Supplier Change Requests, helping to reduce backlog and manage the ongoing influx of requests as fabrication efforts increase.
Execute analysis, design, test, or integration tasks required to define and support assignments related to reactor internal components.
Apply knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing methods, with particular emphasis on welding practices, to ensure designs are producible and compliant.
Review and contribute to inspection test plans, weld maps, and weld procedures to verify that supplier work aligns with engineering requirements and applicable codes.
Use 3D CAD tools to model mechanical components and assemblies, ensuring accurate representation of geometry, interfaces, and tolerances.
Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practices to define clear and manufacturable tolerances for mechanical components.
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS or similar tools to evaluate component performance and resolve moderately complex design problems.
Conduct risk assessments related to design changes, fabrication methods, and supplier proposals, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Prepare organized engineering documents, technical presentations, and reports that clearly communicate design intent, analysis results, and recommendations.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in a matrixed team environment to address technical issues and support project objectives.
Participate in and, when needed, lead cross-functional teams assigned to specific organizational initiatives and improvement projects.
Contribute to the preparation of invention disclosures to protect technology and document innovative solutions developed during project work.
Essential Skills:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience in an engineering role with direct exposure to fabrication and manufacturing methods, particularly welding.
Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD design or similar 3D modeling tools.
Knowledge and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
Experience analyzing and solving moderately complex mechanical design problems.
Familiarity with inspection test plans, weld maps, and weld procedures used in fabrication environments.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce well-organized engineering documents and technical presentations.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership capabilities in engineering or project settings.
Knowledge of relevant welding codes, including ASME and AWS standards.
Proficiency with ANSYS finite element analysis (FEA) or comparable analysis tools.
Exposure to or experience in the boiling water reactor (BWR) or pressurized water reactor (PWR) industry.
Experience supporting mechanical component design efforts with a focus on supplier and fabrication support.
Preferred:
Materials engineering or material science knowledge, particularly related to sheet metal, steel, and pressure vessel applications.
Nuclear industry experience is a significant plus, especially in BWR or PWR environments.
Experience with technical risk assessment and the ability to evaluate fabrication and design risks.
Ability to prepare invention disclosures to document and protect new technologies and design innovations.
Experience participating in and leading teams focused on specific organizational initiatives or process improvements.
Comfort working in a matrixed organization with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to support procurement and sourcing activities through technical evaluation of suppliers and fabricators.
Work Environment:
The Mechanical Engineer will work in a matrixed engineering team environment that involves regular collaboration with design engineers, sourcing professionals, fabricators, and other internal and external stakeholders.
The role centers on mechanical component design for reactor internal systems, with a strong emphasis on supplier support and fabrication oversight rather than direct new product design.
Daily work will involve the use of 3D CAD tools such as Autodesk Inventor, engineering analysis tools including ANSYS FEA, and documentation systems for drawings, inspection plans, and weld procedures.
The environment is project-driven and highly collaborative, requiring clear communication, coordination across disciplines, and active participation in team initiatives and technical reviews.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Lynchburg, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Lynchburg, VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
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.
