Principal Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear

  • Principal Technical Services
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Full Time

Lead Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear Projects (Hybrid)

Energize your career with a high-impact opportunity in the nuclear sector. A growing engineering, procurement, and project management firm is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join its Nuclear Services Division. In this leadership role, you'll drive mechanical design and analysis for commercial nuclear power generation projects-supporting a growing portfolio of plant modernization and infrastructure initiatives.

This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite per week (typically Tuesday through Thursday), with the flexibility to work remotely the remainder of the time. Occasional travel to plant sites is expected (approximately 6-8 days/month, with potential for longer durations).

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead proposal development and guide mechanical engineering teams across a variety of nuclear projects.
  • Serve as a technical lead and discipline expert on multi-discipline projects; act as Project Engineer for mechanical scopes when needed.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and designers to prepare and deliver design change packages (ECPs) for operating nuclear facilities.
  • Interface directly with clients and stakeholders as the mechanical engineering point of contact.
  • Prepare engineering scoping documents, modification plans, and cost estimates.
  • Conduct field walkdowns to assess existing plant conditions and gather data for design packages.
  • Perform detailed design work in accordance with nuclear plant procedures and mechanical codes (ASME, ANSI, NFPA, API).
  • Support 3D modeling, drawing generation, and software-based workflows (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, etc., preferred).
  • Ensure compliance with nuclear industry standards, including IP-ENG-001 and other client-specific procedures.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
  • Master's degree in engineering or related field (preferred)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (highly preferred), or ability to obtain within one year of employment
  • Minimum of 8 years of mechanical design experience, including at least 4 years supporting nuclear power plant modifications (DOE or commercial)
  • Familiarity with multiple operating nuclear utilities and vendors (highly preferred)
  • Prior unescorted access to nuclear facilities (preferred) or ability to obtain
  • Experience using or applying industry-standard design procedures and mechanical codes
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CAD platforms (AutoCAD, Vault, Plant3D, etc.) and 3D scanning/rendering tools (FARO, ReCap, etc.) is a plus
Ideal Candidates Will Demonstrate:
  • Proven mechanical design expertise within nuclear environments
  • Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and adapt within complex plant environments
  • Familiarity with both traditional and digital workflows for mechanical engineering deliverables
  • Comfort working in a matrixed team and interfacing directly with internal and external stakeholders

Join a team that's big enough to perform on major projects, but small enough to care about your career path and professional growth. This is a unique leadership opportunity to influence nuclear plant performance and safety at a critical time in the energy sector.

#INDE
Job ID: 483756040
Originally Posted on: 7/2/2025

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