Fuel Mechanical Engineer I OR Fuel Mechanical Engineer II

Duke Energy Corporation•Raleigh, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is within the Nuclear Fuels Engineering (NFE) department, specifically in the Fuel Mechanical Performance (FMP) group, located at Duke Energy’s General Office in Charlotte. The FMP group is responsible for fuel mechanical and thermal analyses, plant support for nuclear fuel issues, and oversight of nuclear fuel fabrication/manufacturing quality assurance. The role requires highly motivated individuals to solve complex analytical problems and plant support issues. A continuous learning aptitude is necessary due to the diversity of assignments, with the willingness to assume various roles to achieve proficiency in both analysis and plant support. The position emphasizes a team-oriented, supplier and customer-focused environment, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Duke Energy is a clean energy leader with 11 operating nuclear reactors, and this role contributes to the company's clean energy future.

Requirements

Meet the minimum ANSI requirements for this position identified within the scope of Nuclear Operating Fleet Administrative Procedure AD-LS-ALL-0011, Confirmation of Regulatory Guide 1.8 Personnel Qualifications.
Bachelor of Science in Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
In lieu of degree listed above, a Master's degree in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering with a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree in another discipline from an ABET accredited program will also be considered.
For Nuclear Engineer I: 0-2 years of engineering experience.
For Nuclear Engineer II: Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience.
For Nuclear Engineer II: Minimum of 1 year of nuclear experience.
Able to obtain nuclear site Unescorted Access/Security clearance.
This position may be required to have Emergency Response Organization (ERO) responsibilities which could include callouts with a defined response time to the site and an on-call duty rotation requiring the employee to be Fit for Duty.
May be required to wear personal protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, safety shoes, etc.) as needed.

Nice To Haves

Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Unix and/or Linux workstation experience.
Computer programming experience (FORTRAN/Python/VBA/etc.).
Knowledge in thermal hydraulic calculations – heat transfer, flow modeling, nuclear fuel component materials, fuel composition, etc.
Experience in running fuel performance software tools that may be available in the academic environment.
Good written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Provide engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of routine problems in area of fuel mechanical performance.
Assist in the accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring of work activities with the collaboration of higher-level employees or management.
Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches associated with the resolution of routine technical problems.
Support the company's goals and represent the company positively and professionally.
Perform a variety of complex fuel rod mechanical analyses (rod internal pressure, fuel melt, cladding corrosion, etc.) using NRC approved methodologies.
Perform crud and corrosion risk analyses using industry standard methods, tools, and software.
Plan and support new and irradiated fuel examinations and characterization.
Review fuel design and manufacturing process changes and approve/reject.
Develop fuel and core component design specifications.
Perform core component management and lifetime analyses and tracking.
Ensure high quality, conforming, fuel and components are delivered to the plants on time, within specifications, while holding the manufacturers to the requisite rigor in processes and procedures.
Accommodate emergent work and effectively multi-task while keeping management informed and in agreement with shifting priorities.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other groups within NFE, Plant Engineering, Operations, and vendors and sub-suppliers.
Participate in technical training activities such as attending technical seminars, computer code training, group specific training classes, and industry technical/strategic meetings.