Mechanical Engineer – Structural Analyst

Mechanical Engineer – Structural Analyst

Location: Alameda, CA

Posted: 12/12/2025

Job #: 361749

Category: Mechanical Engineering

Contract

6-9 months

1st Shift

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst

Location:

Alameda, CA (Onsite / Remote work offered)
Zip Code: 94501

Start Date:

ASAP
Job Type: Contract (6-9 months)
Keywords: #Mechanical Engineer Structural Analyst #mechanical

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the structural integrity design, analysis, and documentation of KP-FHR reactor structures, systems, and components.

In this role, you will develop and apply analytical methods and finite-element models to demonstrate compliance with ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5 (including Subsection HBB) for high-temperature reactor components. You will work across core design, thermal-hydraulics, methods, materials, licensing, and manufacturing to translate complex KP-FHR thermo-mechanical problems into clear, simplified models, robust integrity assessments, and defensible design documentation suitable for internal design reviews and regulatory interfaces.

This is a hands‑on engineering role for someone who enjoys first‑principles reasoning, simplifying complex systems, and building structural integrity methodologies for a first‑of‑a‑kind advanced reactor.

• Perform structural integrity evaluations of KP‑FHR reactor components (e.g., vessels, internals, core supports, graphite and metallic structures, piping, and supports) in accordance with ASME Section III, Division 5 / HBB and related subsections.
• Plan and execute high‑temperature thermo‑mechanical analyses (elastic‑plastic, creep, creep‑fatigue, ratcheting, and thermal transients) using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS or similar) to support code compliance, design margins, and component life assessments.
• Evaluate multiple load categories and combinations (pressure, temperature, seismic, transients, test conditions, handling, and upset events) and clearly define design‑basis load cases for KP‑FHR structures.
• Apply first‑principles thinking and simplified models (hand calculations, closed‑form solutions, bounding and reduced‑order models) both to scope new work and to provide independent checks on complex FEA.
• Support design‑by‑analysis (DBA) evaluations under ASME Section III, including primary/secondary stress categorization, fatigue usage, creep‑fatigue damage, buckling, and other high‑temperature acceptance checks.
• Perform integrity assessments of flawed or damaged components (e.g., crack‑like indications, wall thinning, weld imperfections) using fracture mechanics, crack‑growth, and fitness‑for‑service style approaches, aligned with applicable codes and standards.
• Work with materials engineers to integrate high‑temperature material properties, environmental effects (fluoride salt, irradiation where applicable), and degradation mechanisms into analysis models and design criteria.
• Develop and maintain high‑quality calculation packages and design reports that clearly document assumptions, models, inputs, results, uncertainties, and code compliance conclusions for internal stakeholders and potential regulatory submittals.
• Contribute to structural sizing and design trade‑offs for critical KP‑FHR components and interfaces, providing clear design direction and feedback to CAD and design engineers.
• Help refine and standardize internal structural integrity methodologies, tools, and templates for high‑temperature KP‑FHR components, enabling reproducible and auditable workflows.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to early‑career engineers on fundamentals of structural mechanics, high‑temperature design, and good analysis/documentation practices, commensurate with experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of KP‑FHR design, testing, licensing, and deployment.

• Bachelor"s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related discipline) required; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred, especially with a focus in solid mechanics, high‑temperature design, or structural integrity.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in mechanical/structural design and analysis for…