Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Structures

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE); Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with 5% match

Unlimited PTO with holidays and paid p

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Thermal Structural Engineer to design, analyze, and develop advanced microreactor systems. You will contribute to thermal and structural evaluations, heat transfer analysis, and engineering documentation while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of engineering experience, strong background in heat transfer and mechanics of materials, and proficiency with ANSYS, COMSOL, and Abaqus. Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, Aerospace, Chemical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal and structural analyses for advanced microreactor systems.
• Conduct heat transfer, thermal stress, and mechanical performance evaluations.
• Develop engineering analyses using analytical methods and tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus.
• Support FEA, computational modeling, and design optimization.
• Evaluate components under various operating conditions and assist design verification.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Mechanics of materials

ANSYS

COMSOL

Abaqus

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Abaqus

Job description

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core Battery Reactor—advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure—the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems.

Position Overview

NANO Nuclear Energyis seeking a Thermal Structural Engineer to support the design, analysis, anddevelopment of advanced microreactor systems. The successful candidate willcontribute to thermal and structural evaluations of reactor components andsupporting systems, including heat transfer analysis, mechanical designevaluations, finite element analysis (FEA), and engineering documentation. Moreexperienced candidates are encouraged to apply and may take on expandedtechnical ownership, mentoring responsibilities, and leadership of analysisactivities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform thermal and structural analyses supporting the design and development of advanced microreactor systems.
• Conduct heat transfer, thermal stress, and mechanical performance evaluations for reactor components and subsystems.
• Develop and execute engineering analyses using analytical methods and simulation tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus, or equivalent.
• Support finite element analysis (FEA), computational modeling, and design optimization activities.
• Evaluate components under steady-state, transient, and accident-condition operating scenarios.
• Support mechanical design activities including component sizing, material selection, and design verification.
• Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, design documentation, and presentations.
• Collaborate with nuclear, mechanical, materials, systems, and licensing teams.
• Participate in design reviews, testing activities, and engineering problem‑solving efforts.
• Apply engineering principles and industry standards to support safe and reliable reactor designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required; Master’s degree preferred, with flexibility on years of experience.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanics of materials.
• Experience with thermal-fluid systems, structural analysis, pressure vessels, high-temperature components, or similarly complex engineering systems.
• Strong computational analysis and engineering simulation experience.
• Experience with ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus, or similar advanced engineering analysis tools.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other modeling and programming tools is valuable, particularly when used for engineering analysis and simulation. The relevance of this experience will be evaluated based on how these tools have been used in practice.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly through written reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Nuclear experience is highly preferred but not required. Relevant experience from aerospace, oil & gas, energy, defense, or other technically complex industries will be considered.
• Experience with advanced reactor systems, HTGRs, microreactors, or other nuclear technologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with ASME codes and standards is preferred.
• Experience supporting technical documentation for regulatory review is a plus.

What We Offer

• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Salary range for this position is:

• Level I: Typically, zero - two years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level II: Typically, three years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level V: Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level VI: Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role required.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and may encompass responsibilities across multiple functions or levels within the organization. The scope of the position, title, responsibilities and compensation will be determined based on the specific needs of the business, as well as the candidate's experience, qualifications and level of expertise. The salary range provided, where applicable, is intentionally broad and not indicative of a single level or final compensation offer. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity and other applicable factors.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.