Senior Mechanical Analysis Engineer

ACTalent; Wilmington (NC); Remote; USD 96,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural and thermal analyses for nuclear-related components. This fully remote role supports a cross‑functional engineering team, with occasional Wilmington, NC travel for in-person reviews.

You will lead ANSYS analyses, develop robust calculation packages, and document results for regulatory and design objectives, driving reliability and safety across reactor-related structures.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of structural analysis experience.
• 8+ years of finite element analysis (FEA) experience using ANSYS.
• Proven experience with mechanical and thermal loadings.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural and dynamic analyses for reactor components and supports to satisfy BPVC Section III.
• Evaluate stresses and fatigue under mechanical and thermal loading in static and transient conditions.
• Perform detailed stress analysis using ANSYS for mechanical, structural, and thermal behavior.
• Prepare clear technical reports and documentation for regulatory submissions and design requirements.
• Collaborate with design, system, and project engineers to ensure timely delivery within budget.
• Contribute to development and refinement of analysis methodologies and best practices.

Skills

FEA

ANSYS

ASME BPVC III

Stress analysis

Thermal analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Workbench

APDL

Job description

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer Structural Analysis

This Senior Mechanical Engineer Structural Analysis role focuses on leading complex structural and dynamic analyses for reactor systems, internal components, and support structures to demonstrate compliance with relevant ASME BPVC Section III requirements. You will evaluate stresses and fatigue under mechanical and thermal loadings, execute finite element analyses using ANSYS, and produce high-quality technical documentation that supports regulatory and design objectives. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to next‑generation nuclear technology development in a highly technical, cross‑functional engineering environment.

Job Description

This Senior Mechanical Engineer Structural Analysis role focuses on leading complex structural and dynamic analyses for reactor systems, internal components, and support structures to demonstrate compliance with relevant ASME BPVC Section III requirements. You will evaluate stresses and fatigue under mechanical and thermal loadings, execute finite element analyses using ANSYS, and produce high-quality technical documentation that supports regulatory and design objectives. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to next‑generation nuclear technology development in a highly technical, cross‑functional engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural and dynamic analysis projects for reactor vessels, internals, and support structures to demonstrate compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III.
• Evaluate primary and secondary stresses and fatigue in reactor internals resulting from mechanical and thermal loadings under both static and transient conditions.
• Perform detailed mechanical stress analysis using ANSYS, with a focus on finite element analysis (FEA) for structural and thermal behavior.
• Conduct structural and thermal analyses to assess component performance, integrity, and reliability in nuclear applications.
• Execute analyses for assigned projects using sound engineering principles while adhering to established business standards, practices, procedures, and program requirements.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive technical reports, calculation packages, and documentation that support regulatory submissions and design requirements.
• Document engineering analyses in a structured and traceable manner, ensuring calculations and assumptions are well supported and auditable.
• Communicate technical findings effectively through written reports and presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, system engineers, project managers, and external partners to complete design activities on time and within budget.
• Participate in cross‑functional design reviews, providing structural and thermal analysis input and recommendations.
• Apply broad mechanical engineering principles and practices to support mechanical design and project execution.
• Manage multiple analysis tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritizing work to meet deadlines and program milestones.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of analysis methodologies and best practices for nuclear structural and thermal evaluations.

Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of experience performing structural analysis, with extensive work on mechanical components and support structures.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience conducting finite element analysis (FEA), including evaluation of mechanical and thermal loadings under static and transient conditions, preferably using ANSYS Workbench or APDL.
• Very strong proficiency in ANSYS for mechanical, structural, and thermal analysis.
• Deep experience in mechanical analysis focused on structural and thermal analysis using ANSYS.
• Working knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III is highly preferred for nuclear‑related structural evaluations.
• Experience with ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 2, with understanding that Division 2 experience can be interchangeable with Section III for pressure boundary and structural assessments.
• Extensive structural analysis experience that can substitute for specific ASME code experience when necessary.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in mechanical design and project execution within complex engineering programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to clearly document engineering analyses and communicate technical findings through formal reports and presentations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is a strong plus.
• Experience with nuclear applications and nuclear industry standards is highly desirable.
• Hands‑on experience applying ASME BPVC Section III to reactor components and support structures is highly preferred.
• Experience applying ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 2 for pressure vessel and structural assessments is highly preferred.
• Broad knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices, including stress analysis, fatigue, and thermal effects.
• Experience working in large, cross‑functional engineering teams with heavy interface across disciplines.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong collaboration with distributed teams.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for next‑generation nuclear technology development.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote role, with leadership and team members also working remotely. You will collaborate with a large, highly technical engineering team and engage in frequent cross‑functional interaction with design, systems, and project engineering groups. Limited travel may be required, including occasional trips to Wilmington for meetings or on‑site collaboration. The work is primarily office‑based using advanced engineering software tools such as ANSYS in a virtual environment, with a focus on detailed analytical work, documentation, and remote teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilmington, NC.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $78.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.