Fuel Mechanical Engineer III OR Senior Fuel Mechanical Engineer

100 Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On‑site dining

Fitness facility

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Duke Energy’s Nuclear Fuels Engineering Division seeks engineers to perform fuel mechanical performance analyses, support plant fuel issues, and oversee manufacturing engineering with strong collaboration and communication. The role emphasizes analytical problem solving and versatile resource handling.

Hybrid work after onboarding is available; candidates should be able to travel up to 5–20% and may receive relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum ABET‑accredited BS in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering.
• Master's degree with a BS in another ABET field may be considered.
• Minimum 4 years engineering experience and 1 year nuclear experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering guidance in fuel mechanical performance.
• Prepare technical reports and calculations for routine problems.
• Perform fuel rod mechanical analyses and corrosion risk analyses.
• Develop fuel/core component design specifications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering (ABET)

Master's degree with BS in another ABET‑accredited field

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certificate

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Unix/Linux

FORTRAN/Python/VBA

Job description

About the Role

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. 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. All our office locations are easy driving distance to the ocean or the mountains, making Charlotte an ideal location for your next home. 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.

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 IIIBachelor of Science in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited programIn 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 consideredMinimum of 4 years of engineering experienceMinimum of 1 year of nuclear experienceIn lieu of 1 year of nuclear experience, a selected candidate is subject to the oversight and written approval authority of a designated qualified individual until the selected candidate becomes fully qualified
• Senior Nuclear EngineerBachelor of Science in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited programMinimum of 6 years of engineering experience or 5 years of engineering experience with state registration as a Professional EngineerMinimum of 1 year of nuclear experienceIn lieu of 1 year of nuclear experience, a selected candidate is subject to the oversight and written approval authority of a designated qualified individual until the selected candidate becomes fully qualified

Desired Qualifications

• Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Demonstration of ability to organize and self-manage multiple tasks
• Unix and/or Linux workstation experience
• Computer programming experience (FORTRAN/Python/VBA/etc.)
• Proficient in principles of project management
• Experience in the electric utility industry
• Experience running fuel and crud computer software analysis tools such as PAD, COPERNIC, VIPRE, or BOA
• Experience with nuclear fuel vendor manufacturing oversight, surveillance, and evaluation
• Knowledge in thermal hydraulic calculations – heat transfer, flow modeling, nuclear fuel component materials, fuel composition, etc.
• Proficient in practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations
• 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 may 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 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.

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.

Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.