Fuel Mechanical Engineer III OR Senior Fuel Mechanical Engineer

Duke Energy•Charlotte, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Duke Energy's Nuclear Fuels Engineering (NFE) department is seeking candidates passionate about nuclear energy's role in a clean energy future. Duke's NFE department is unique in the industry by owning and performing in-house methods and analysis for nearly all aspects of the fuel cycle, from contracting fuel supply to long-term storage of spent fuel. This position is part of the Fuel Mechanical Performance group, responsible for fuel mechanical and thermal analyses, plant support of nuclear fuel-related issues, and nuclear fuel fabrication/manufacturing engineering oversight and quality assurance. The role requires highly motivated individuals to solve complex analytical problems and plant support issues, with a continuous learning aptitude and willingness to assume various roles to achieve proficiency in both analysis and plant support. A team-oriented, supplier and customer-focused environment places a premium on well-developed communication and collaboration skills.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Nuclear 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
Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience (for Engineer III)
Minimum of 6 years of engineering experience or 5 years of engineering experience with state registration as a Professional Engineer (for Senior Engineer)
Minimum of 1 year of nuclear experience
Able to obtain nuclear site Unescorted Access/Security clearance
Must live within one hour of a nuclear site

Nice To Haves

Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license
Demonstration of ability to organize and self-manage multiple tasks
Unix and/or Linux workstation experience
Computer programming experience (FORTRAN/Python/VBA/etc.)
Proficient in principles of project management
Experience in the electric utility industry
Experience running fuel and crud computer software analysis tools such as PAD, COPERNIC, VIPRE, or BOA
Experience with nuclear fuel vendor manufacturing oversight, surveillance, and evaluation
Knowledge in thermal hydraulic calculations – heat transfer, flow modeling, nuclear fuel component materials, fuel composition, etc.
Proficient in practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations
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