Structural Engineer

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship opportunities

Competitive benefits

401(k) match up to 5%

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Structural Engineer well-versed in ASME BPV Codes to design and analyze structural systems for advanced energy projects. You will certify compliance, review calculations, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure robust, buildable designs for high-temperature reactor environments.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering and 5+ years in heavy industrial structural design with deep ASME BPVC knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years in heavy industrial structural design.
• Advanced knowledge of ASME BPVC Sections III and VIII.
• Experience leading multi-discipline integration projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the authority on ASME BPVC Sections III and VIII and ASME B31.1/B31.3.
• Author and review engineering calculations to certify compliance.
• Audit work from design and manufacturing vendors for accuracy.
• Enforce high integrity through rigorous technical reviews.
• Evaluate structural integrity against seismic and blast loads.
• Develop cost-effective, buildable structural designs for skids and foundations.
• Perform pipe stress calculations for nozzle loads and thermal movements.
• Interface with Authorized Inspectors during third-party reviews.
• Collaborate with mechanical, piping, and process engineers to prevent load transfer issues.
• Mentor junior structural engineers on code calculations and FEAs.
• Stay current on advanced reactor technologies.
• Contribute to internal policy and standard work processes.

Skills

ASME BPVC knowledge

FEA software

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical writing

Seismic & blast analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

FEA software

Structural analysis tools

Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy

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.

Overview

We are seeking a Structural Engineer well-versed in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code to support the development and design of structural systems for advanced energy projects. This role involves designing, analyzing, and evaluating structural systems--such as pressure vessels, piping, and industrial equipment supports—to ensure full compliance with the ASME Codes. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of ASME BPV Code among others, experience designing to standards, and the ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the ultimate authority on ASME BPVC Sections III and VIII and ASME B31.1 and B31.3
• Author and review formal engineering calculation packages to certify compliance with defined standards, procedures, and regulatory criteria
• Audit output from drafters, designers, and manufacturing vendors to maintain strict technical accuracy and ensure deliverables meet system requirements and expectations
• Ensure that engineering work is performed with a high level of integrity through rigorous enforcement of work processes and technical reviews of team deliverables
• Evaluate structural integrity against environmental and dynamic hazards, including seismic and blast loadings
• Develop and optimize cost-effective, buildable structural designs for skids, heavy equipment foundations, modules, and platform supports
• Conduct pipe stress calculations to determine equipment nozzle loads, pipe thermal movements, and structural anchor requirements
• Interface with Authorized Inspectors during third-party design reviews and fabrication audits
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, piping, and process engineers to prevent load transfer issues across disciplines
• Collaborate with system engineers to ensure design documentation supports and substantiates ASME compliance
• Mentor junior-level structural engineers on code calculations and FEA software
• Stay current on industry developments related to advanced reactors and emerging technologies
• Contribute to the development and improvement of internal policies, procedures, and standard work processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical)
• 5+ years of experience in heavy industrial structural design, preferably within the nuclear or energy sectors
• Advanced knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III and VIII is highly desired
• Demonstrated experience in developing design of complex systems or structures, multi-discipline integration, and leading efforts to define and solve problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical and regulatory information
• Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and contribute to a collaborative work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license is desired but not required
• Advanced mastery of structural and stress analysis software
• Experience designing components and systems for high temperature gas
• Familiarity with codes, standards, and industry initiatives for advanced reactor technologies
• Knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3
• Cross-functional familiarity with matching codes such as AISC, ASCE, IBC, or AWS
• Experience working to quality standards on design activities, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001
• Knowledge of documentation requirements, including public disclosure, information withholding, and document control processes

What We Offer

• A collaborative 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.
• 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 5%.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave

Salary range

• 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.

Level III: $120,000- $145,000; Level IV: $145,000- 170,000; Level V: $170,000- $195,000; Level VI: $185,000- $215,000

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 is 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.