Senior Mechanical Engineer – Stress Analysis

Interested in helping transform thermal and electric energy?
Join a pioneering team developing next-generation nuclear technology.

Our client is leading the development of a Generation-IV nuclear cogeneration plant designed for near-term commercial deployment. This innovative, zero-emissions plant uses proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology in a compact, modular design. It delivers high-temperature thermal energy for industrial applications and grid-based electricity with significantly improved efficiency over conventional reactors.

To support this mission, we are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer (Stress Analysis) to join the Mechanical Engineering team. This role is critical to the detailed engineering phase of reactor systems and components, focusing on mechanical design analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and analytical methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical stress analysis on reactor components (e.g., pressure vessels, supports, graphite core components).
• Conduct fatigue, creep, dynamic/static, linear/non-linear analyses.
• Optimize mechanical design based on structural integrity assessments.
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate across technical disciplines.
• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Interface with vendors, experts, and design agencies.
• Mentor junior and intermediate engineers.

Core Competencies

• Expertise in FEA and analytical mechanical analysis.
• Strong foundation in solid mechanics and material science.
• Effective communicator and team collaborator.
• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Adaptability and learning agility.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Nuclear Engineering (or related field).
• PE Certification.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical/thermal stress analysis using FEA.
• Proficiency in ANSYS Mechanical / APDL preferred.
• Programming skills (Python, C, Fortran, Matlab, C++) for simulation customization.
• Experience with fatigue, creep, dynamic/static, linear/non-linear analyses.
• Proven track record in mechanical design project delivery.
• Strong communication and independent problem-solving skills.

Preferred Assets

• Familiarity with nuclear/non-nuclear codes: ASME Section III Div. 1 & 5, CSA N285.0, ASME B31.1, CSA B51.
• Experience with high-temperature reactor applications.
• Custom constitutive model development in FEA software.
• HPC experience for large-scale simulations.
• Graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant specialization.
• Industry experience in component/system design.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on materials.
• Pressure vessel design and registration (TSSA, CNSC).
• ASME Section III Appendix XXIII Design Report qualification.

Benefits

• Extended Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability) + Health Spending Account.
• Generous vacation policy supporting work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for you and your family.
• Wellness subsidy.
• Annual performance reviews.
• Paid volunteer days through United Way.
• Career development opportunities.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.