Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Structures

Protingent; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Thermal Structural Engineer to support the design of advanced microreactor systems in Oak Brook, IL. This direct-hire role focuses on thermal and structural analyses using tools like ANSYS, COMSOL, and Abaqus, with collaboration across nuclear, mechanical, and licensing teams.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of experience, a relevant engineering degree, and strong fundamentals in heat transfer and fluid mechanics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field required.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• Strong background in heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with advanced simulation tools.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal and structural analyses for microreactor systems.
• Evaluate heat transfer, thermal stress, and fluids performance.
• Use ANSYS, COMSOL, or Abaqus for simulations.
• Support modeling and design optimization activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare calculations, reports, and presentations.
• Ensure compliance with ASME codes and standards.
• Lead analysis activities as experience grows.
• Review design and participate in tests.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Structural analysis

ANSYS

COMSOL

Abaqus

MATLAB

Python

Nuclear experience

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Nuclear Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Abaqus

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Position Title

Thermal Structural Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Thermal Structural Engineer opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform thermal and structural analyses supporting the design and development of advanced microreactor systems.
• Conduct heat transfer, thermal stress, fluid mechanics, and mechanical performance evaluations for reactor components and complex systems.
• Develop and execute engineering analyses using advanced simulation and FEA tools, with experience in ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus, or equivalent highly relevant.
• Support computational modeling, finite element analysis, and design optimization activities.
• Evaluate components and systems under steady-state, transient, and accident-condition operating scenarios.
• Support mechanical design activities including component sizing, material selection, and design verification.
• Take ownership of thermal and structural analysis activities, with opportunities for increased technical leadership based on experience level.
• Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, design documentation, and technical presentations.
• Collaborate closely with nuclear, mechanical, materials, systems, and licensing teams.
• Participate in design reviews, testing activities, and technical problem-solving efforts.
• Apply engineering principles, ASME codes, and industry standards to support safe and reliable reactor designs.
• More experienced engineers may take on expanded technical ownership, mentoring responsibilities, and leadership of analysis activities.

Job 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.

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $85,000 - $215,000 Location: Oak Brook, IL (Onsite).

Due to government contract requirements, this position is restricted to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residential or GC Holder only.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies.

We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.