Lead Engineer - Tooling Design Engineer

GE Vernova; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 98,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy seeks a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to design remotely operated tooling for reactor modification hardware, primarily underwater, using pneumatic, hydraulic, and motor actuation.

You will produce 3D models, drawings, test plans, perform design reviews, and write procedures, collaborating with Hardware, Analysis, Field Deployment, and Services teams to meet Nuclear Quality and Safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and drafting (2D drawings, 3D modeling).

Responsibilities

• Design Reactor Modification Tooling with mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and motor actuation.
• Draft fabrication drawings and build/test tooling to prove performance.
• Prepare 3D models, access/clearance studies, specs, and test plans.
• Collaborate with Hardware, Analysis, Field Deployment, and Services teams.
• Perform design reviews and present to peers/leaders for feedback.
• Write operation procedures for field deployment and repair execution.
• Provide emergent issue support during outages with rapid design/build/test.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D modeling

2D drafting

GD&T

Underwater tooling knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

2D drawings

3D modeling

GD&T

Welding

EDM

Conventional machining

Job description

Job Description Summary

As a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for Reactor Internal Design Tooling Team with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), you will design remotely operated tooling to support installation, removal, and adjustment of Nuclear Reactor Modification Hardware to support the ongoing operation and performance for our customers’ existing Nuclear Fleet. The majority of these tools are designed to operate underwater in a challenging environment using manual, pneumatic, hydraulic, and motor power for actuation as needed.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Design Reactor Modification Tooling that incorporates mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electro-mechanical/motor actuation based on inputs, requirements, and environment within schedule and cost limits

• Draft drawings for fabrication, then build and test the Reactor Modification Tooling you design to prove the requirements for performance are met

• Prepare 3D models, access and clearance studies, drawings, specifications, and test plans to support tooling development

• Collaborate with the Hardware Team, Analysis Teams, Field Deployment Teams, and Services Business to deliver tooling designs that meet our standards for Nuclear Quality and Safety

• Perform design reviews to present your design to engineering peers and leadership and obtain feedback

• Write operation procedures for the tooling you design to help the field deployment team execute the repair

• Emergent issue support of customers during Outage Season to help solve challenging problems with technical guidance and fast-paced design, build, test response

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university or college

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical design and drafting practices (2D drawings, 3D modeling)

Eligibility Requirements

• The required work location for this role is at the GVH Headquarters in Wilmington, NC

• This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information

Desired Characteristics

• Nuclear industry experience a plus, but not required

• Strong mechanical aptitude, desire to build, tinker, innovate, and solve problems with mechanical design

• Knowledgeable about design to cost, design for manufacturability

• Communicate progress, ideas, plans, and output effectively

• Experience with a variety of fabrication techniques including conventional machining, welding, and EDM

• Knowledge of Geometric Design & Tolerancing

• Strong troubleshooting and adaptation skills

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on September 11, 2026.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.

GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.