Principal Engineer, Mechanical - Nuclear

Zachry Group•Charlotte, NC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zachry Nuclear Engineering (ZNE), a division of Zachry Group, provides engineering and technical consulting services to the commercial nuclear power industry. Our engineers support some of the nation's most critical energy infrastructure through the delivery of complex engineering solutions, plant modernization initiatives, digital transformation efforts, and technical consulting services. At Zachry, we are committed to technical excellence, client success, and developing innovative solutions that support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. As the nuclear industry continues to evolve—including advancements in plant modernization and emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—our engineers play a critical role in shaping the future of clean, reliable energy. We are seeking a Principal Engineer, Mechanical to provide technical leadership and expertise across major client programs, strategic engineering initiatives, and complex nuclear engineering challenges. The Principal Engineer serves as a senior technical leader and recognized subject matter expert within Zachry Nuclear Engineering. This position provides technical leadership for complex mechanical engineering projects supporting commercial nuclear power generation facilities and serves as a trusted technical advisor to both clients and internal engineering teams. The successful candidate will possess advanced expertise in mechanical engineering principles and nuclear plant systems and will apply sound engineering judgment to solve complex technical challenges. This individual will work with significant independence while leading major engineering efforts, supporting strategic client initiatives, mentoring developing engineers, and contributing to organizational growth through proposal development and technical planning activities. The Principal Engineer is expected to represent Zachry professionally with clients, industry organizations, and project stakeholders while maintaining awareness of emerging industry trends, technologies, regulatory developments, and engineering best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
Minimum fifteen (15) years of relevant engineering experience with an active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Demonstrated commercial nuclear power experience involving the modification (SDP), design, analysis, operation, maintenance, or evaluation of nuclear plant mechanical systems and equipment.
Experience leading complex engineering projects, providing technical oversight, and serving as a technical resource for multidisciplinary teams.
Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred and expected for candidates pursuing the Principal Engineer level. Candidates without a PE license may be considered only if they possess a minimum of twenty (20) years of directly relevant engineering experience and can demonstrate expertise consistent with Engineer VI expectations.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong time-management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
Ability to pass security and drug screening requirements and maintain unescorted access to commercial nuclear power facilities.
Ability to travel to client sites and support periods of field and office work.
Ability to perform plant walkdowns in industrial environments, including climbing ladders, accessing security-controlled areas, and entering confined or controlled-access areas.
Ability to understand and comply with company policies, procedures, and processes.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Expertise in one or more specialized areas including: Pipe Stress Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), ASME Section III Code, ASME Section VIII Code, PEPSE, Safety Analysis, Mechanical design and evaluation of nuclear plant systems
Experience supporting major nuclear utility clients.
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering programs or large project teams.
Active participation in professional organizations, technical committees, standards groups, or industry conferences.
Experience supporting proposal development and business growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical lead for complex mechanical engineering projects supporting commercial nuclear power plants.
Provide technical oversight and independent review of engineering calculations, analyses, modifications, specifications, and design packages.
Develop engineering approaches and solutions for complex technical challenges affecting plant safety, reliability, operability, and regulatory compliance.
Provide expertise in the evaluation, design, modification, and operation of nuclear plant mechanical systems and equipment.
Interpret and apply applicable engineering codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and industry guidance.
Support development and implementation of innovative engineering solutions for modernization and emerging nuclear technologies.
Perform technical reviews and quality oversight of engineering products produced by project teams.
Develop and maintain trusted relationships with utility clients and key stakeholders.
Serve as a primary technical resource during client meetings, project reviews, technical workshops, and planning efforts.
Provide technical consultation regarding plant modifications, equipment reliability, design issues, engineering best practices, and nuclear industry challenges.
Represent Zachry during technical discussions with clients and external organizations.
Mentor engineers across multiple experience levels and disciplines.
Support development of technical standards, engineering procedures, and best practices.
Facilitate knowledge transfer and contribute to the development of future technical leaders.
Provide technical guidance and coaching to project teams.
Lead major project teams and provide direction on complex engineering assignments.
Support proposal development activities, including technical scope development, estimating support, and project planning.
Identify emerging client needs and industry opportunities.
Assist in the development of engineering solutions that support organizational growth and client success.
Support strategic initiatives that expand Zachry's capabilities and services.
Maintain awareness of evolving industry trends, technologies, regulations, codes, and standards.
Participate in professional organizations, technical conferences, standards committees, and industry working groups as appropriate.
Promote technical excellence and industry leadership throughout the organization.
Represent Zachry within the broader nuclear engineering community.