Mechanical Design Engineer

System One; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 148,781,000 - 243,835,000; Part time

Job summary

System One is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor program in a hybrid, contract role. The engineer will drive material property development for finite element analyses and expand into broader design analysis with a cross-disciplinary team.

You will review ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5 standards, perform sizing calculations, and contribute to design validation and hardware delivery.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 4+ years of experience, or MS with 2+ years.
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Skills

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 4+ years

MS with 2+ years

Tools

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Python

ANSYS APDL

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Bellevue, Washington

Type: Contract

Compensation: $52 - $85 hourly

Contractor Work Model: Hybrid

System One is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program. This position will report to the MCFR Mechanical Design Manager and play a critical role in the mechanical analysis, scripting, and design scoping of reactor components. The role will begin with material property development for finite element analysis and grow into broader design analysis responsibilities. You will work within a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering team that includes materials science and thermal-hydraulics experts to develop novel analysis methodologies and support the design of next-generation reactor hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop material models and contribute to novel analysis methodologies within the Mechanical Design discipline
• Perform basic sizing calculations and mechanical scoping of reactor components
• Conduct finite element mechanical analyses using commercial tools (e.g., ANSYS)
• Read and interpret design standards, specifically ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5
• Perform technical reviews of internal and supplier-provided designs and deliverables
• Work collaboratively with engineering leads and subject matter experts to support design validation

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience
• — OR — M.S. with 2+ years of experience
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
• Recent experience with ANSYS or other mechanical analysis tools
• Scripting experience preferred, particularly with Python and ANSYS APDL
• Strong understanding of material failure mechanisms and mechanical design codes
• Proficiency in CAD tools; SolidWorks preferred
• Demonstrated ownership of hardware design and delivery
• High attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team
• A high degree of integrity, openness, and a team-oriented mindset is essential
• Actual position level and title will be based on qualifications and experience

Job Functions and Work Conditions

• Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical Requirements: Minimal exertion; must be able to safely lift up to 25 pounds
• Repetitive Work: Prolonged computer and analytical tasks
• Special Senses: Visual and audio-focused work, including computer-based design and analysis
• Work Environment: Standard office setting, stairs, keyboard use, typical 8+ hour workdays
• Travel: Minimal (0–5%)