Mechanical Engineer

Black Diamond Networks is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the analysis and qualification of small modular reactor components and internals. The role focuses on developing and reviewing ANSYS finite element models, performing structural and thermal evaluations, interpreting results, documenting engineering analyses, and collaborating on nuclear design and regulatory activities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and review detailed ANSYS finite element models of nuclear reactor subcomponents and reactor internals
• Perform structural, stress, deformation, thermal, and related FEA evaluations for complex nuclear components
• Conduct ADL analysis and support engineering assessments for design and qualification activities
• Post-process and interpret results from large-scale ANSYS models, including stress, strain, displacement, temperature, and load-response data
• Evaluate component behavior under mechanical, thermal, cyclic, and combined loading conditions
• Analyze reactor internals, high-temperature components, and welded assemblies for structural integrity and design compliance
• Support assessments of high-temperature welds, including weld-related stress and deformation considerations
• Prepare clear, technically rigorous analysis reports, calculations, model documentation, and engineering summaries
• Review assumptions, boundary conditions, material properties, mesh quality, convergence, and other aspects of analytical models for accuracy and traceability
• Collaborate with mechanical designers, materials engineers, nuclear engineers, and project teams to resolve design and analysis issues
• Contribute to design reviews, peer reviews, technical presentations, and responses to customer or regulatory comments

Requirements:

• Looking for candidates who have experience with SMR (Small Modular Reactor)
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Professional experience performing finite element analysis and structural assessments of complex mechanical components
• Demonstrated experience building and analyzing models in ANSYS
• Experience post-processing and interpreting results from large ANSYS models
• Strong understanding of FEA fundamentals, including meshing, loads, boundary conditions, contacts, convergence, and result interpretation
• Experience with structural analysis of reactor internals, nuclear components, pressure-retaining components, or similarly safety-critical equipment
• Experience with ADL analysis
• Experience evaluating high-temperature components and/or high-temperature welds
• Ability to document technical work in formal engineering calculations and analysis reports
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience applying ASME Section III, Division 5 requirements to high-temperature nuclear components
• Experience with advanced or high-temperature reactor technologies and associated reactor internals
• Knowledge of elevated-temperature material behavior, including creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue interaction, ratcheting, and thermal cycling
• Experience with weld modeling, weld qualification, weld assessment, or weld-related structural integrity evaluations
• Familiarity with nuclear quality assurance requirements and configuration-controlled engineering processes
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience supporting design certification, licensing, safety-basis, or regulatory documentation