Mechanical Design Engineer

newcleo; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan with 4% company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

newcleo is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of mechanical systems for a next-generation MOX fuel fabrication facility in South Carolina. You will design specialized equipment including gloveboxes and custom machinery while ensuring safety and regulatory requirements are met.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 3 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in complex industrial settings. The position emphasizes a collaborative approach with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in mechanical design engineering, preferably in industrial equipment.
• Experience with 3D CAD software for technical design work.
• Strong skills in technical communication and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems for nuclear fuel fabrication.
• Develop models and documentation with CAD tools.
• Ensure compliance with design and safety requirements.

Skills

Mechanical design engineering

3D CAD software proficiency

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Position Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineer will support the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and equipment for a next-generation MOX fuel fabrication facility in the United States. This role will focus on the design of specialized mechanical equipment, including gloveboxes, custom process equipment, and mechanical assemblies, while ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including Process, Nuclear Safety, Electrical & Instrumentation, HVAC, Civil, and Systems Engineering teams, throughout the facility design lifecycle. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to an innovative nuclear project within a collaborative international engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems and specialized equipment for nuclear fuel fabrication applications, including gloveboxes, custom machinery, and mechanical assemblies.
• Develop 3D models, equipment layouts, manufacturing drawings, and detailed mechanical documentation using CAD tools.
• Define mechanical design requirements and ensure compliance with functional, operational, maintainability, and nuclear safety requirements.
• Perform mechanical design analyses, including failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), machine safety assessments, and maintainability evaluations.
• Coordinate technical interfaces with Process, Nuclear Safety, Electrical & Instrumentation, HVAC, Civil, and Systems Engineering disciplines.
• Prepare technical specifications, equipment datasheets, and statements of work for suppliers and subcontracted activities.
• Support supplier selection activities, technical bid evaluations, and review vendor design documentation.
• Monitor equipment design, fabrication, testing, and installation activities to ensure compliance with technical requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination meetings, and technical decision-making activities.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues during equipment design, fabrication, and commissioning phases.
• Ensure engineering activities are performed in accordance with applicable quality assurance requirements, engineering standards, and project procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably involving complex industrial equipment.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent mechanical design tools.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and equipment integration.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, contractors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear facilities, nuclear fuel cycle applications, MOX fuel fabrication, or other highly regulated industrial environments.
• Familiarity with safety-critical mechanical equipment design and applicable engineering codes and standards.
• Experience with glovebox design, remote handling equipment, or contained process systems.
• Experience supporting equipment manufacturing, testing, installation, or maintenance activities.
• Experience working on international engineering projects and within multicultural teams.
• Working knowledge of French is considered an asset.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, as well as a 401(k) plan with 4% company match.
• Generous paid time off, starting at 20 days per year and increasing to 25 days after 3 years of service.
• A mission‑driven environment focused on delivering scalable, low‑carbon energy solutions to meet growing global energy demand.
• A collaborative and international culture that values technical excellence, transparency, innovation, and cross‑functional teamwork.