Mechanical Engineer or Analyst – Model Development

Terrestrial Energy

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Terrestrial Energy, a US developer of advanced, Generation IV nuclear reactors, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer/Analyst – Model Development to join their team at their Charlotte, North Carolina headquarters. The company is developing and deploying its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant. This role is crucial for contributing to the design and analysis of IMSR reactor systems, components, and materials through the Detailed Engineering phase. The position involves developing and implementing custom Engineering models to predict the behavior and integrity of reactor materials, components, and systems under IMSR reactor environmental conditions throughout their operating life. The company has recently completed a merger, becoming a publicly listed operating company (NASDAQ “IMSR”), and is in a growth phase, seeking talented individuals to build the organization, processes, and a goal-oriented corporate culture. They are looking for individuals with US market experience, a deep understanding of advanced reactor development requirements, and the ability to thrive in a fast-growing, adaptable business environment.

Requirements

Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or alternate degree in a related field.
Minimum 4 years of work experience in mechanical and materials modelling and analysis (relevant graduate studies and academic research experience will be considered, and exceptions may be considered for particularly well-suited experience of shorter duration).
Strong theoretical understanding of underlying mechanics of materials and material science fundamentals.
Experience with ANSYS Mechanical or other commercial FEA software (ANSYS Mechanical APDL is preferred).
Experience with computer programming (Python, C, Fortran, C++, or other) for data pre/post processing or automation/customization of simulations in commercial software.
Knowledge of fatigue, creep, dynamic and static, linear and non-linear analyses.
Willingness to adapt and learn new approaches and areas of expertise.
Strong communication (both written and verbal) skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with teams on problems that are challenging to solve and requiring innovative solutions.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for sponsorship for employment visa status.
Successful candidate must be able to access and use information subject to U.S. Export Control Laws.

Nice To Haves

Graduate-level degree (Master’s or PhD) with an applicable specialization.
Experience with analysis of non-metallic materials (particularly graphite or similar materials).
Experience with the implementation of user programmable features for custom constitutive models within a commercial FEA software (such as UserMat in ANSYS or UMAT in ABAQUS) is essential.
Working knowledge of the effects of radiation on materials of construction (graphite and alloy).
Knowledge of nuclear and/or non-nuclear codes and standards including ASME Section III Division 1, Division 5, CSA N285.0 and ASME B31.1, CSA B51.
Experience with high temperature reactor applications and knowledge of ASME Section III Division 5 is strongly preferred.
Experience running large-scale models using HPCs.
Licensed Professional Engineer.

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing custom Engineering models for predicting the behavior and integrity of reactor materials, components, and systems throughout their operating life under IMSR reactor environmental conditions.
Conducting literature and operating experience (OPEX) reviews to support design and model development.
Collaborating with the Research and Development (R&D) group to translate experimental results into custom Engineering models of components and materials under reactor conditions and to plan new experiments as needed.
Preparing models, calculations and reports for analysis of reactor components (such as graphite core components, core support structures, the reactor vessel, and other in-core components) including evaluating the effects of irradiation, fatigue, creep, dynamic and static mechanical and thermal loads, and other aspects as needed.
Developing computer codes for building custom analysis tools, automating input/output processing and customizing functionality of commercial software.
Attending and participating in conferences and industry events to stay familiar with and contribute to the development of current codes, standards, and industry best practices.
Interface with external experts and regulatory agencies.