Mechanical Engineering Lead; RPV

Mechanical Engineering Lead (Pressure Vessel)

We are partnering with a cutting‑edge advanced nuclear energy company building the next generation of clean, reliable power, helping shape the future of energy by providing dependable, always‑on power that supports economic growth while accelerating the transition to a low‑carbon world.

We are seeking an experienced Design Lead to oversee the design, analysis, and qualification of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and pressure boundary components. This role will lead a team of engineers, ensuring designs meet regulatory, safety, quality, and performance requirements throughout the design and licensing lifecycle. The position provides technical leadership and management support to a mechanical engineering team across multiple projects.

Location:

Rockville, MD. Work site expectations: 4 days per week in office. Travel expectations: 20%.

Hours:

8:00am–5:00pm ET, Monday–Friday.

• Support the execution of the mechanical design, analysis, or evaluation of assigned projects using sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program / project requirements.
• Lead the team responsible for performing the mechanical design of various advanced reactor plants to inform the design, manufacturing, construction, and licensing strategy.
• Provide support for the management of the utilization of engineering resources across multiple projects and ensure qualified engineers are performing assigned work.
• Lead design cycle sprints and provide direction to ensure the convergence of efforts of engineering team members, partners, and suppliers, ensuring the successful delivery of high‑quality engineering work products on schedule and within budget as defined by Project leadership.
• Manage mechanical engineering staff by ensuring they meet expectations and promoting their professional development.
• Influence and support the development of strategy, methodology, and technical tools for the area of responsibility.
• Interpret internal business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes, tools, or services.
• Use judgment to support decision‑making and handling complex tasks or problems in areas of operations, product management, technology, or engineering.
• Plan and perform the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
• Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required to ensure SSCs meet technical requirements.
• Work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to create the next generation nuclear power plants.
• Perform work in accordance with design control procedures, ensuring thorough documentation of work, facilitation of internal and external design reviews, and control of product design configuration data.
• Always maintain professional demeanor and behavior in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited university or college.
• Typically, seven years of engineering experience; graduate degrees typically count as two plus years of experience.
• Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of the following areas:
  • Mechanical design, designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
  • Hardware ownership, including manufacturing and testing oversight.
  • Use of Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g., UG/NX, Solid Works, Pro‑Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical Engineering or Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification with active pursuit of PE licensure.
  • Experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III and nuclear‑grade pressure vessel design and analysis.
  • Familiarity with ASME Code Cases applicable to advanced reactors.
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and supplier qualification programs.
  • Strong collaboration skills with manufacturing partners and fabricators.
  • Proven track record of leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Experience establishing design criteria across disciplines.
  • Experience directing and coordinating thermal, nuclear, and structural engineering activities for pressure vessel applications.
  • Proficiency with structural finite element analysis (FEA) software (ANSYS, ABAQUS, or equivalent) and ability to oversee complex analysis efforts.
• Ready to tackle complex engineering challenges and bring cutting‑edge nuclear technology to life.