Mechanical Engineer

Black Diamond Networks; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Diamond Networks is seeking an experienced engineer to develop and review ANSYS Finite Element models for nuclear reactor subcomponents and internals. The role focuses on structural, thermal, and stress evaluations of high-stakes components, with emphasis on model post-processing and results interpretation.

The ideal candidate has a BS in mechanical or nuclear engineering, substantial ANSYS experience, and the ability to document analyses in formal calculations and reports.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering or related field.
• Experience performing FEA and structural assessments on complex mechanical components.
• Proven ANSYS modeling and post-processing experience.
• Strong understanding of FEA fundamentals and convergence.
• Experience with reactor internals or safety-critical components.
• Experience with ADL analysis.
• Experience evaluating high-temperature components and welds.
• Ability to document work in formal calculations and reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and review ANSYS FE models for nuclear subcomponents.
• Perform structural, thermal, and stress evaluations on complex components.
• Post-process results from large ANSYS models (stress, strain, temperature).
• Review model assumptions, meshes, boundary conditions for accuracy.
• Collaborate with mechanical, materials, and nuclear engineers.
• Prepare analysis reports and engineering summaries.

Skills

ANSYS

FEA fundamentals

Thermal analysis

Weld modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering or related

Master’s degree (preferred) in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering

Tools

ADL analysis

Large ANSYS models post-processing

Job description

Looking for candidates who have experience with SMR (Small Modular Reactor)

• Develop, modify, and review detailed ANSYS finite element models of nuclear reactor subcomponents and reactor internals.
• Perform structural, stress, deformation, thermal, and related FEA evaluations for complex nuclear components.
• Conduct ADL analysis and support engineering assessments for design and qualification activities.
• Post-process and interpret results from large-scale ANSYS models, including stress, strain, displacement, temperature, and load-response data.
• Evaluate component behavior under mechanical, thermal, cyclic, and combined loading conditions.
• Analyze reactor internals, high-temperature components, and welded assemblies for structural integrity and design compliance.
• Support assessments of high-temperature welds, including weld-related stress and deformation considerations.
• Prepare clear, technically rigorous analysis reports, calculations, model documentation, and engineering summaries.
• Review assumptions, boundary conditions, material properties, mesh quality, convergence, and other aspects of analytical models for accuracy and traceability.
• Collaborate with mechanical designers, materials engineers, nuclear engineers, and project teams to resolve design and analysis issues.
• Contribute to design reviews, peer reviews, technical presentations, and responses to customer or regulatory comments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional experience performing finite element analysis and structural assessments of complex mechanical components.
• Demonstrated experience building and analyzing models in ANSYS.
• Experience post-processing and interpreting results from large ANSYS models.
• Strong understanding of FEA fundamentals, including meshing, loads, boundary conditions, contacts, convergence, and result interpretation.
• Experience with structural analysis of reactor internals, nuclear components, pressure-retaining components, or similarly safety-critical equipment.
• Experience with ADL analysis.
• Experience evaluating high-temperature components and/or high-temperature welds.
• Ability to document technical work in formal engineering calculations and analysis reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying ASME Section III, Division 5 requirements to high-temperature nuclear components.
• Experience with advanced or high-temperature reactor technologies and associated reactor internals.
• Knowledge of elevated-temperature material behavior, including creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue interaction, ratcheting, and thermal cycling.
• Experience with weld modeling, weld qualification, weld assessment, or weld-related structural integrity evaluations.
• Familiarity with nuclear quality assurance requirements and configuration-controlled engineering processes.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting design certification, licensing, safety-basis, or regulatory documentation.