Refueling & Remote Handling Engineer (Contract)

Job Description Job Description Title: Mechanical Engineer Location: Remote (Within contiguous United States) Hire Type: Contract Shift/Hours: 40 Hours/Week Base Salary: $90 – $130/hr. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Remote Work Flexibility About the Opportunity: Sterling Engineering's client, a global leader in small modular reactor technology and innovative nuclear energy solutions, is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join their Refueling and Remote Handling Group. This is a stable, forward-thinking company at the forefront of the carbon-free energy movement, offering the opportunity to work on cutting-edge automated and robotic systems that ensure safe and efficient reactor servicing. Job Duties: Lead and manage the design and development of remotely operated or controlled automated, robotic, and tele-operated reactor servicing tools and inspection equipment. Continuously analyze and resolve complex technical problems using creativity and innovation to improve equipment operating efficiency and reliability. Organize and balance work sequences and handling plans as part of an integrated tool design scheme in collaboration with Systems Engineering and Operations groups. Identify and resolve interface challenges between tooling systems and site buildings by working closely with Civil and Structural teams. Minimize design errors by preparing, checking, and reviewing engineering reports, system descriptions, specifications, drawings, and complex calculations. Motivate, train, and mentor team members on the additional knowledge required for the design of remote/automated equipment operating in a nuclear environment. Ensure the consistent production of safe and reliable tools that meet functional and performance requirements through rigorous quality assurance and testing. Collaborate with the Nuclear Steam Supply System design organization to ensure adequate features are provided to interface with reactor servicing tools. Drive and implement engineering standards and criteria while assisting in the planning and organization of complex engineering assignments. Prepare regular reports and design documents, coordinating with procurement for activities related to equipment fabrication and testing. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Nuclear Engineering from an accredited college or university. Minimum of 5 years of full-time, relevant professional experience in engineering design processes for mechanical handling equipment and systems. Proven ability to self-manage workloads and deadlines while performing innovative and complex engineering assignments on a dedicated team. Strong understanding of quality assurance regulations, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, and NQA-1 standards. Excellent problem-solving, project organization, and creative thinking skills to overcome technical challenges in diverse operating environments. Demonstrated ability to interpret project scope and requirements, developing alternative methods to achieve project and refueling outage performance objectives. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with Civil/Structural, Operations, and NSSS Component design teams. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.