Thermal Structural Engineer

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Mentorship

Tech leadership

Benefits package

Collaborative culture

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc. seeks a Thermal Structural Engineer to advance design/analysis of next‑gen microreactor systems. You will perform thermal and structural assessments, support FEA, and contribute to engineering documentation in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

The role emphasizes heat transfer, material selection, and regulatory documentation support, with opportunities for leadership and mentorship for experienced candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant engineering discipline; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• Strong background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluids, and materials mechanics.
• Experience with thermal-fluid systems and high-temperature components desired.
• Proficient with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS/COMSOL/Abaqus.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python is valuable for analysis.
• Strong communication of complex technical information in reports and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal and structural analyses to support microreactor design.
• Conduct heat transfer, thermal stress, and mechanical evaluations of components.
• Develop engineering analyses using analytical methods and simulation tools.
• Support FEA, computational modeling, and design optimization.
• Evaluate components under varied operating scenarios including accident conditions.
• Assist with mechanical design, material selection, and verification work.
• Prepare calculations, reports, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on licensing and design reviews.
• Support documentation for regulatory review as needed.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Python

MATLAB

FEA analysis

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Abaqus

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.

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

• The opportunity to develop materials solutions for next-generation nuclear technology.
  
• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Salary range for this position is:

Level I - II $85,000- $120,000

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 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.