Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst

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

Job Description:
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.

Responsibilities

* 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.

Qualifications

* 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 safety-critical systems (nuclear, power, petrochemical, aerospace, or similar).

* Direct experience with pressure-retaining and structural components designed to ASME BPVC; strong preference for experience with ASME Section III, Division 5 / HBB and design-by-analysis for high-temperature components.

* Demonstrated proficiency with advanced FEA for thermo-mechanical problems (linear and nonlinear, including contact, inelasticity, creep/viscoplasticity, and buckling).

* Solid foundation in solid mechanics, fatigue and creep-fatigue, fracture mechanics, stability, and high-temperature failure modes.

* Experience preparing formal calculation packages and design documentation that satisfy internal quality requirements and, ideally, regulatory/licensing expectations.

* Familiarity with quality and configuration-management practices (e.g., working under NQA-1 or ISO 9001-like quality programs) is highly desirable.

* Experience with scripting or numerical tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for model setup, parametric studies, and post-processing is a plus.

* Professional Engineer (PE) license, or eligibility and interest in obtaining one, is a plus; experience interfacing with regulators or code committees is a differentiator.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

* First-principles, simplification mindset: ability to break down complex KP-FHR structures and loadings into clear, tractable problems and to sanity-check results with simple models before trusting detailed simulations.

* Strong analytical skills and engineering judgment, including comfort working with incomplete information in a first-of-a-kind advanced reactor context.

* High degree of ownership and attention to detail; takes pride in clean, review-ready models, calculations, and documentation.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining assumptions, methods, and limitations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

* Proven ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment and to contribute to a culture of trust, respect, open communication, and teamwork.

* Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-moving project setting.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via the apply now link provided. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed. Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at Belcan.com

"Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws."