Senior Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Structures

Title: Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Structures

Location: Chicago, IL - hybrid

Salary: $85,000 - $210,000

Piper Maddox is supporting an advanced microreactor developer who is seeking a Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Structures to play a key role in the design and analysis of their reactor systems.

This is an opportunity to work on highly complex engineering challenges involving heat transfer, thermal stress, structural mechanics, and advanced simulation while contributing to technology that has the potential to reshape the future of energy.

What You'll Do:

• Perform thermal and structural analyses supporting advanced microreactor development.
• Evaluate reactor components and systems for heat transfer, thermal stress, and mechanical performance.
• Develop engineering models and simulations using tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus , or similar platforms.
• Conduct finite element analysis (FEA), computational modeling, and design optimization studies.
• Support the design of pressure-retaining and high-temperature components operating under demanding environments.
• Analyze equipment performance during normal, transient, and off-normal operating conditions.
• Contribute to component sizing, material selection, design verification, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including nuclear, mechanical, materials, systems, and licensing engineers.
• Support design reviews, testing activities, and technical problem-solving efforts.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of engineering experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, power generation, industrial equipment, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong foundations in heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and mechanical design .
• Experience with FEA, structural analysis, thermal analysis, or computational engineering simulations .
• Hands-on experience with ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus , or similar modeling tools.
• Experience with pressure vessels, turbomachinery, high-temperature systems, thermal-fluid systems, propulsion systems, or other complex engineered products.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or other engineering analysis tools is a plus.
• Familiarity with ASME codes and standards is beneficial.
• Nuclear industry experience is preferred but not required.

Why Join Our Client?

• Work directly on advanced reactor technology and microreactor commercialization.
• Join a highly collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation and technical excellence.
• Opportunities for technical leadership, mentorship, and career growth.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%.
• Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Be part of a team helping shape the future of clean energy.