Fuel Mechanical Engineer I OR Fuel Mechanical Engineer II

Duke Energy; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking motivated nuclear engineers to contribute to the Fuel Mechanical Performance group within the Nuclear Fuels Engineering division. The role involves solving engineering problems, performing fuel mechanical analyses, and supporting plant-related issues with NRC-approved methodologies.

Positions range from Nuclear Engineer I to II, with opportunities for growth, flexible hybrid work arrangements, and collaboration with multiple teams across Duke Energy’s facilities and sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum ABET-accredited BS in Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering.
• MS in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering with a related BS will be considered.
• 0–2 years (Nuclear Engineer I) or 2+ years with nuclear experience (Nuclear Engineer II).
• PE/FE license and/or certifications are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering guidance in fuel mechanical performance and related analyses.
• Support scheduling, estimating, and reporting of activities with management collaboration.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, and sketches for routine problems.
• Perform fuel rod mechanical analyses and CRUD/corrosion risk analyses using standard methods.
• Participate in design reviews and ensure timely delivery of high-quality fuel components.

Skills

Good communication

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering (ABET)

MS in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering (ABET)

Tools

Unix/Linux

FORTRAN

Python

VBA

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy.

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career, as a nuclear professional, helping Duke Energy achieve a clean energy future? Duke Energy's 11 operating nuclear reactors make Duke a clean energy leader in the electricity generation industry. The Nuclear Fuels Engineering (NFE) department is seeking candidates who are passionate about nuclear energy's role in a clean energy future. Duke's NFE department is unique in the industry by owning and performing in-house methods and analysis for nearly all aspects of the fuel cycle, from contracting fuel supply to long term storage of spent fuel. Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, a growing and vibrant city in the Carolinas. Candidates have the opportunity to work from Duke's brand new, state-of-the-art, headquarters building, with on-site dining and a fitness facility. For those that prefer a suburban or rural lifestyle, we offer the flexibility to work from our nearby nuclear sites at attractive locations such as Lake Norman, NC or Lake Wylie, SC. All our office locations are easy driving distance to the ocean or the mountains, making Charlotte an ideal location for your next home.

Job Description

Fuel Mechanical Performance is part of the Nuclear Fuels Engineering Division (NFE) centralized at Duke Energy’s General Office in Charlotte. The Fuel Mechanical Performance (FMP) group is responsible for several overlapping areas of responsibility: fuel mechanical and thermal analyses, plant support of nuclear fuel related issues, and nuclear fuel fabrication/manufacturing engineering oversight and quality assurance.

This position requires highly motivated individuals to solve complex analytical problems and plant support issues. Due to the diversity of assignments within the Fuel Mechanical Performance group, a continuous learning aptitude is required along with the willingness to assume various roles to levelize resources; specifically, to learn and fill roles on the analysis and plant support sides of FMP achieving proficiency and versatility in both. This position also requires performance within a team-oriented environment that is very supplier and customer focused thus placing a premium on well-developed communication and collaboration skills.

Group Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of routine problems in area of fuel mechanical performance
• Assist in the accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring of work activities with the collaboration of higher-level employees or management
• Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches associated with the resolution of routine technical problems
• Support the company's goals and represent the company positively and professionally
• Perform a variety of complex fuel rod mechanical analyses (rod internal pressure, fuel melt, cladding corrosion, etc.)using NRC approved methodologies
• Perform crud and corrosion risk analyses using industry standard methods, tools, and software
• Plan and support new and irradiated fuel examinations and characterization
• Review fuel design and manufacturing process changes and approve/reject
• Develop fuel and core component design specifications
• Perform core component management and lifetime analyses and tracking
• Ensure high quality, conforming, fuel and components are delivered to the plants on time, within specifications, while holding the manufacturers to the requisite rigor in processes and procedures
• Accommodate emergent work and effectively multi-task while keeping management informed and in agreement with shifting priorities
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other groups within NFE, Plant Engineering, Operations, and vendors and sub-suppliers
• Participate in technical training activities such as attending technical seminars, computer code training, group specific training classes, and industry technical/strategic meetings

Basic / Required Qualifications

The incumbent must meet the minimum ANSI requirements for this position identified within the scope of Nuclear Operating Fleet Administrative Procedure AD-LS-ALL-0011, Confirmation of Regulatory Guide 1.8 Personnel Qualifications.

Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relative experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.

Nuclear Engineer I

This is the entry level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this entry level solve problems in engineering areas of the Fuel Mechanical group with close supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence as they acquire increasing knowledge of fundamental concepts, processes, and procedures.

• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
• In lieu of degree listed above, a Master's degree in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering with a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree in another discipline from an ABET accredited program will also be considered
• 0-2 years of engineering experience

Nuclear Engineer II

Employees at this level solve problems in engineering areas of the Fuel Mechanical group with variable supervision depending on the incumbent's demonstrated proficiency with a given task and the task complexity and risks. Incumbents have developed the skills and ability to work with greater independence as they continue acquiring increasing knowledge of fuel performance concepts, processes, and procedures.

• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
• In lieu of degree listed above, a Master's degree in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering with a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree in another discipline from an ABET accredited program will also be considered
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience
• Minimum of 1 year of nuclear experience

Desired Qualifications

• Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Unix and/or Linux workstation experience
• Computer programming experience (FORTRAN/Python/VBA/etc.)
• Knowledge in thermal hydraulic calculations - heat transfer, flow modeling, nuclear fuel component materials, fuel composition, etc.
• Experience in running fuel performance software tools that may be available in the academic environment
• Good written and oral communication skills

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Mobility Classification - Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way. Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular workweek.
  • Primarily general office, secondarily plant environments
• Additional hours expected as workload dictates.
• Flexible work schedule - typically four 10-hour days, 2 in office and 2 remote
• Some travel to other Duke sites, industry sites, and industry conferences/meetings
• Occasional off-hour emergent work required
• Must live within one hour of a nuclear site
• Potential travel: 5-20%

Specific Requirements

• A selected candidate will be subject to the oversight and written approval authority of a designated qualified individual until the selected candidate becomes fully qualified - typically about 1 year depending on whether previous training can be credited
• Able to obtain nuclear site Unescorted Access/Security clearance
• This position may be required to have Emergency Response Organization (ERO) responsibilities which could include callouts with a defined response time to the site and an on-call duty rotation requiring the employee to be Fit for Duty
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, safety shoes, etc.) as needed

Travel Requirements

• Travel Requirements: 5-15%
• Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable): Yes
• Represented/Union Position: No
• Visa Sponsored Position: No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
• Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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