Staff Mechanical Engineer

The Nuclear Company•Columbia, SC

30d

About The Position

The Nuclear Company is a rapidly growing AI tech-enabled startup in the nuclear and energy sector, focused on building the next generation of nuclear reactors using a design-once, build-many approach to accelerate the deployment of safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. The company emphasizes an AI-first mindset, expecting all employees to leverage AI, technology, and the Nuclear Operating System (NOS) to enhance their work. They seek individuals who are purpose-driven, comfortable with ambiguity, and energized by innovation. The team values intellectual curiosity, high agency, candid feedback, continuous learning, and exceptional standards, guided by core values of Transparency, Responsibility, Unity, Scrappy, and Tenacity. TRUST is central to their safety culture, promoting intellectual honesty, accountability, and open communication. About the role: The Staff Mechanical Engineer will serve as a technical lead, responsible for the design, analysis, and maintenance of complex mechanical systems and components for nuclear power plants (both operating and new build) or advanced reactor projects. This role involves collaborating with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, utilizing engineering software, and applying advanced engineering principles and codes (such as ASME and ANSI) to meet stringent safety, regulatory, and quality standards. The engineer will address technical issues for operating nuclear power plants, new plants, and other related projects, supporting both corporate initiatives and ongoing construction efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from ABET Accredited University.
Engineering in Training (EIT) license.
8+ years of engineering experience.
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
Proficiency in engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ANSYS).
Must be capable of obtaining security clearance for unescorted access to a nuclear station.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer license is a plus.
Previous causal analysis experience is a plus.
Previous qualified standard design experience is a plus.
Familiarity with AI-augmented engineering simulation tools that complement traditional software (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks) to accelerate structural integrity calculations, thermal-hydraulic analyses, and performance optimization of mechanical systems and components.
Familiarity with digital twin technologies or IoT-integrated monitoring systems that use real-time data and machine learning to model mechanical system behavior, enabling proactive maintenance planning and performance trending across plant systems.

Responsibilities

Design and analysis of mechanical components and systems.
Prepare engineering calculations, drawings and specifications.
Prepare or review engineering modification packages.
Provide technical guidance to junior engineering staff.
Diagnose mechanical equipment failures, support root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions.
Conduct calculations and analyses to ensure the structural integrity and performance of mechanical systems.
Review vendor documentation and technical specifications.
Participate in design reviews and technical meetings.
Interface with engineers in other disciplines such as civil/structural, electrical and instrumentation and controls (I&C).
Support the implementation of quality assurance and quality control programs.
Prepare technical reports and documentation.