Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer - ONSITE IN ROCKVILLE, MD

We are seeking professionals to join our Mechanical Engineering team in the role of Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Systems. This position involves the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components including Reactor Internal Structures, Steam Generator System, Helium Circulator System, Graphite Core Components, Reactor Cavity Cooling System, and Nuclear Auxiliary Systems. The role encompasses concept development, analysis of systems, and ensuring compliance with technical specifications through the entire production process, including prototyping, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical/physical concepts and design processes for structures, systems, and components (SSCs) focusing on nuclear safety.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders to identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis, and criteria.
• Plan and perform analyses to assess SSCs' ability to perform intended functions, meeting technical specifications and design requirements.
• Perform computations using hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other necessary calculations.
• Develop innovative mechanical solutions for reactors, including pressure vessels, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high-temperature materials.
• Integrate design activities across engineering team members, partners, and suppliers.
• Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
• Support assessment of SSCs for manufacturability, assembly, and integration considerations.
• Write and develop design documentation, including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings.
• Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support toolset qualification.
• Perform work in accordance with quality procedures for design and configuration management.
• Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior in all forms of communication.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency with engineering hand calculations.
• Experience in designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
• Minimum one year of hands-on experience in developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes.
• Hardware ownership, including manufacturing and testing oversight.
• Experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in highly regulated industries such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, or defense electronics.
• Experience in mechanical component-level design of high-pressure vessels, fluid systems, reactors, and related systems.
• Experience in a lead or managerial capacity.
• Preferred experience with commercial nuclear power plant operations.
• Familiarity with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety-related systems.
• Experience with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and other industry standards.
• Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components is preferred.

Work Environment

This role is office-based, involving collaboration with a dynamic team focused on the cutting edge of clean energy systems development.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $85.00/hr. 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 onsite position in Fairfax, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.