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Mechanical Engineer-Nuclear

Sterling Engineering
Columbus, OH Full Time
POSTED ON 1/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/31/2026
Summary:

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear, you will play a key role in building and guiding a newly established U.S.-based engineering team. This position is responsible for developing local design expertise, contributing to the creation of a nuclear QA program, collaborating with global nuclear engineering groups, and driving innovative solutions for complex nuclear and industrial automation projects. You will work on cross-functional teams delivering advanced engineering solutions by applying cutting-edge technologies. This position offers opportunities to lead mechanical design efforts, manage project documentation, and support problem-solving activities during system debug and final commissioning.

Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design & Engineering

  • Design and support development of automated equipment for industrial and nuclear applications.
  • Perform engineering calculations including strength of materials, speeds, horsepower, temperature, pressure, and force.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to determine dimensions, hardness, and manufacturing requirements.
  • Define tools, fixtures, and equipment needed for fabrication and assembly of mechanical components and full assemblies.
  • Produce working drawings, detail drawings, and BOMs using AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS.
  • Specify mechanical components and generate requisitions with proper delivery timelines.
  • Evaluate designs for compliance with applicable standards (OSHA, CE, or customer-specific).
  • Adhere strictly to ASME NQA-1 quality requirements and associated procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Review electrical requirements with electrical designers.
  • Review machine operations and sequences with programming teams.
  • Assist fabricators, machinists, toolmakers, and electricians during debug, integration, and problem resolution.
  • Communicate design updates to the Mechanical Engineering Group Lead or Project Engineer.
  • Provide support for Group Leader duties during their absence.

Nuclear Engineering Expertise

  • Serve as a subject matter expert for nuclear initiatives (e.g., BWRs, PWRs, SMRs).
  • Provide technical guidance to engineering and design teams.
  • Participate in design reviews and develop solutions to complex technical challenges.
  • Support conceptual design, development, and testing for innovation-driven initiatives.
  • Provide engineering support relating to construction of nuclear equipment in accordance with applicable standards.

Applications & Proposal Support

  • Prepare concept designs and preliminary pricing for nuclear proposals.

Program Development & Quality Assurance

  • Interpret and apply nuclear industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure engineering procedures comply with nuclear-specific regulatory expectations.
  • Translate quality objectives into engineering policies and protocols.
  • Support development of a Nuclear Quality Assurance process to manage nuclear projects.

Qualifications:

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related discipline.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is an asset.

Experience

  • 10 years in engineering design, development, and qualification of automated systems, custom machinery, or industrial equipment.
  • 5 years in nuclear tooling development and testing, including field support (required).
  • Strong understanding of nuclear equipment quality standards (NQA-1, ASME BPV Section III).
  • Deep knowledge of machine design, machine controls, precision engineering, statistical analysis, and structured problem solving.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to lead or collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.

Salary: $115,000 to $130,000

Benefits: Full benefits package available

Salary : $115,000 - $130,000

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