Senior Mechanical Engineer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory (FMP); West Mifflin (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 95,700 - 149,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits

401(k) Savings program

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Work Schedules

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

A national asset in nuclear propulsion seeks an experienced engineer to join the Reactor Mechanical Design team. This role involves applying finite element analysis to address complex engineering challenges for naval reactors and aircraft carriers. Candidates should have a degree in engineering or science and relevant experience. The position offers competitive pay, a collaborative work environment, and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6 years of experience; or master's and 4 years; or doctorate and 1 year.
• Currently a Senior Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field Engineer at the company.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in finite element analysis for reactor core design.
• Solve complex manufacturing problems for naval reactors.
• Support fleet operational readiness and address emergent issues.

Skills

Proficiency using FEA tools such as ANSYS

Strong analytical skills

Familiarity with programming languages like Python

Excellent problem-solving skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Knowledge of reactor core design

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Doctorate degree in a related field

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Python

Linux

Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

Ready for your next challenge? Join a dynamic and collaborative team in Reactor Mechanical Design, where you'll apply your expertise in finite element analysis to support the design and analysis of reactor core and heavy equipment components for FORD and NIMITZ-class aircraft carriers, SEAWOLF-class submarines and operating prototype reactors. You'll have the opportunity to tackle cutting‑edge technical challenges, use plant data to inform analyses, solve complex manufacturing problems, and address challenges related to spent fuel processing for various reactor cores. Our highly functional team also plays a critical role in directly supporting the fleet by addressing emergent issues and ensuring the operational readiness of naval platforms. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on critical, real‑world engineering challenges while contributing to the success of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

Required Combination Of Knowledge And Skill

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience; or Currently a Senior Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency using FEA tools such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, or equivalent for solving complex, real‑world mechanical design problems.
• Strong analytical skills with experience translating physical systems into robust computational models, including structural, thermal, and/or coupled analyses.
• Familiarity with modern programming languages (e.g. Python), Linux-based operating systems and high-performance computing systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and an ability to diagnose and resolve emergent technical challenges in real‑time.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting technical information to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in high-performing teams, with a strong commitment to teamwork and innovation.
• Knowledge of reactor core design, naval systems, or experience supporting large‑scale systems is a plus but not required.

Compensation And Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
• Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
• Personal & Medical Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
• Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range

$95,700.00 - $149,600.00 annually

Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world‑class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.