Mechanical Engineer - Test Stands & Processes

BWXT; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible schedules

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) invites qualified candidates for the Mechanical Engineer – Test Stands & Processes position at our Oak Ridge, Tennessee Enrichment Operations site. The role focuses on designing, developing, and integrating mechanical test stands, process equipment, and systems for enrichment centrifuges within a DOE/NNSA high-security environment.

On-site in Oak Ridge, TN, the position requires a DOE Q clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with mechanical design, test stand development, or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink.
• Knowledge of statics, dynamics, heat transfer, fluids, and strength analysis.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering teams to design mechanical test stands and equipment.
• Use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink to design and model mechanical systems, fixtures, and tooling.
• Develop functional and interface requirements for new designs.
• Analyze, test, and integrate mechanical components to meet system requirements.
• Evaluate designs for cost, performance, reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Create controlled engineering documentation including P&IDs, hazard analyses, design packages, and test records.
• Conduct calculations including statics, dynamics, thermal, fluid, and strength analyses.
• Prepare BOMs, part specifications, and procurement packages.
• Lead fabrication, assembly, and integration of mechanical systems.
• Plan and execute component, subsystem, and system testing.
• Author statements of work, reports, and project updates.
• Support schedules, cost tracking, and compliance processes.
• Troubleshoot installation discrepancies and support commissioning activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-functional development.

Skills

Statics & dynamics analysis

Heat transfer & fluids analysis

Engineering documentation

Strong communication

Travel up to 10%

U.S. citizen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

PDMLink

Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth, collaboration, and technical excellence. At our Oak Ridge, Tennessee Enrichment Operations site, you will join teams working at the forefront of advanced nuclear manufacturing, precision engineering, and mission‑critical national security programs. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you’ll find opportunities to challenge yourself, partner with seasoned experts, and contribute to innovation shaping the future of nuclear technology. Our work requires a wide range of skills, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and career stages who share a passion for meaningful impact and technical advancement.

Position Overview

As our Mechanical Engineer for Test Stands & Processes, you will support engineering and manufacturing efforts associated with the BWXT portion of the DUECE centrifuge program. You will design, develop, and integrate mechanical test stands, process equipment, and mechanical systems used for assembly, testing, and verification of enrichment centrifuges. This role spans concept development through fabrication, installation, operation, and documentation within a DOE/NNSA high-security environment.

Location

On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Q Clearance Required)

Your Day to Day as a Mechanical Engineer – Test Stands & Processes

• Collaborate with engineering teams to design mechanical test stands and unique process equipment.
• Use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink to design and model mechanical systems, fixtures, and tooling.
• Develop functional and interface requirements for new designs.
• Analyze, test, and integrate mechanical components to meet system requirements.
• Evaluate designs for cost, performance, reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Create controlled engineering documentation including P\&IDs, hazard analyses, design packages, and test records.
• Conduct calculations including statics, dynamics, thermal, fluid, and strength analyses.
• Prepare BOMs, part specifications, and procurement packages.
• Lead fabrication, assembly, and integration of mechanical systems.
• Plan and execute component, subsystem, and system testing.
• Author statements of work, reports, and project updates.
• Support schedules, cost tracking, and compliance processes.
• Troubleshoot installation discrepancies and support commissioning activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-functional development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of mechanical design, test stand development, or industrial equipment experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink.
• Knowledge of statics, dynamics, heat transfer, fluids, and strength analysis.
• Ability to use hand tools, metrology devices, and diagnostic instruments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with new product development or Stage‑Gate processes.
• Experience in sensor design, industrial equipment, or thermal systems.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Experience with DFSS, DFM, requirements decomposition, or safety‑driven design.
• Professional certifications (FE, EIT, PE).
• Experience with thermo‑mechanical test systems and reliability equipment.
• Experience with CAD best practices, GD\&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with modal analysis, FEA, or dynamic testing.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (as applicable).
• Professional development and mentorship.
• Inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Mission‑driven work that supports national security.
• Continuous technical learning opportunities.