Computational Mechanical Engineer

Framatome North America; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: $100,000–$110,000 with bonuses

Job summary

Framatome North America in Lynchburg, VA, seeks a mechanical/computational engineer to develop deterministic and probabilistic analyses for engineering challenges in nuclear applications. You will build advanced finite element models, automate analyses with Python and Jupyter notebooks, and translate findings into practical recommendations for operating plants and long-term operation.

You will collaborate with experienced engineers across computational mechanics, materials, and licensing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Computational Science, Nuclear Engineering.
• Master's Degree or PhD Preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Experience performing advanced finite element analysis: nonlinear material behavior, elastic-plastic analysis, thermal‑mechanical analysis, fracture mechanics, fatigue or cyclic loading, weld or residual‑stress simulation.
• Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
• Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Python and Jupyter notebooks; scripting for FEM model generation, parametric studies, automated execution, output extraction, and results visualization.
• Experience with probabilistic simulation techniques such as Monte Carlo sampling, Latin hypercube sampling, importance sampling.
• Familiarity with fracture parameters and assessment methods: stress‑intensity factors, J‑integral, crack‑growth analysis, etc.
• Understanding of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and Section XI desired.
• Willingness to develop proficiency in ASME Section XI flaw‑evaluation and structural‑integrity methods.

Responsibilities

• Performs non‑standard engineering and new‑to‑you assignments in design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, and field tasks.
• Receives minimal instruction and works autonomously on most assignments.
• Ensures compliance with government regulations and engineering standards.
• Selects and applies techniques and criteria for tasks not previously performed.
• Continues to develop knowledge of processes and customers.
• Works on special projects and process improvements.
• Maintains a safety mindset.

Skills

Finite element analysis

Python scripting

Jupyter notebooks

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Python

FEA software

Job description

Why This Role Is Critical

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn’t be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet’s greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value‑added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

In this role, you will develop and apply deterministic and potentially probabilistic computational methods to solve complex engineering problems involving stress, deformation, fatigue, fracture, thermal‑mechanical loading, material degradation, and structural margins. You will support operating plants, long‑term operation, inspection planning, repair evaluations, and plant‑specific technical justifications.

You will work with experienced engineers across computational mechanics, fracture mechanics, materials, stress analysis, design, and licensing. The position provides opportunities to develop advanced finite element models, automate engineering workflows using Python and Jupyter notebooks, interpret simulation results, and translate numerical findings into practical engineering recommendations.

What You’ll Do Day‑To‑Day

• Performs non‑standard engineering, varied engineering, and new‑to‑you assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems and resolution of quality events.
• Receives minimal assistance and instruction and works autonomously on most assignments and solutions.
• Ensures compliance with government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.
• Independently evaluates, selects and applies a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.
• Continues to develop knowledge of organization, processes and customers.
• Works on special projects, as directed.
• Provides suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.
• Maintain a safety mindset.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Computational Science, Nuclear Engineering.
  • Master's Degree or PhD Preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.
• Experience performing advanced finite element analysis, including one or more of the following:
  • Nonlinear material behavior
  • Elastic‑plastic analysis
  • Thermal‑mechanical analysis
  • Fracture mechanics
  • Fatigue or cyclic loading
  • Weld or residual‑stress simulation
• Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
• Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Good problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Displays informal leadership characteristics.
• Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self‑checking.
• Advanced proficiency with specialized software tools and programming languages as required by the role.
• Understanding of Python scientific‑computing tools.
• Experience developing scripts for finite element model generation, parametric studies, automated execution, output extraction, and results visualization.
• Usage of Jupyter notebooks to create transparent and reproducible engineering analyses.
• Experience with probabilistic simulation techniques such as Monte Carlo sampling, Latin hypercube sampling, importance sampling, or related approaches.
• Coursework or practical experience in fracture mechanics, fatigue crack growth, structural integrity, or fitness‑for‑service assessment.
• Familiarity with fracture parameters and assessment methods involving stress‑intensity factors, J‑integral, crack‑growth analysis, reference stress, or limit‑load methods.
• Understanding with engineering codes and standards applicable to pressure‑retaining or safety‑related components.
• Understanding of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, including Section XI, is desired but not required.
• Willingness to develop proficiency in ASME Section XI flaw‑evaluation and structural‑integrity methods.
• Prior experience in the commercial nuclear industry is beneficial but not required.

Total Rewards Package

Total Rewards Package

• Salary: $100,000 - $110,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long‑and short‑term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

About Framatome

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next‑gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon‑free energy. Here, you can:

• Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
• Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
• Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well‑being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE810AppendixA).