Nuclear Structural Engineer (HFIR)

Nuclear Structural Engineer

Spectra Tech, Inc. is hiring a detail-oriented Nuclear Structural Engineer to support the HFIR Beryllium Reflector Replacement (HBRR) Project in Oak Ridge, TN.

Background

Operating at 85 MW, the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is the highest flux reactor-based source of neutrons for research in the United States and provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world. The thermal and cold neutrons produced by HFIR are used to study physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and biology.

Spectra Tech, Inc. supports operations and upgrade activities associated with HFIR. The HFIR Upgrades Project Office manages the HFIR Beryllium Reflector Replacement (HBRR) Project, which is being prepared for a major extended outage scheduled for 2029.

Scope

The purpose of the HBRR Outage is to replace the life-limiting beryllium reflector along with other critical reactor vessel components, enabling continued reactor operations for another 20 years. Preparatory activities for this outage will span several years.

Outage preparation activities include the design and fabrication of custom lifting devices and fixtures, as well as performing structural analyses and calculations to support ongoing HBRR fabrication activities. Additionally, these activities require providing input for lift plans related to reactor component assembly procedures and ensuring full compliance with ASME B30.20 standards for Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices.

Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in areas such as facility seismic upgrades and implementations, as well as the analysis and modification of existing building structures. This position also requires performing and reviewing structural calculations in compliance with HFIR Safety Basis Procedures and applicable Department of Energy (DOE) standards and guidelines.

This position will be assigned to the Plant Life Extension Section and will interact with the HFIR Upgrades Project Office supporting HBRR activities.

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

This position may require participation in a Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP), which includes passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform calculations and interpret industry codes to support design development
• Provide project management support for installation of design changes
• Provide engineering support for fabrication of HBRR components
• Perform structural analysis and calculations to support design or modification of tools used for hoisting and rigging
• Ensure HFIR structural specifications and drawings are prepared in accordance with appropriate DOE and industry codes and standards
• Interpret and implement DOE Natural Phenomena Hazard codes and regulations, as well as nuclear facility structural material design codes such as ASCE 4, ACI 349, and AISC N690
• Perform seismic qualifications, analyses, and evaluations in accordance with DOE-STD-1020, DOE-STD-1021, and the International Building Code
• Provide written work package instructions to perform and document work
• Provide field technical support to craft supervisors and craft personnel as needed
• Ensure engineering design documents and drawings are completed and properly placed under configuration management

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Civil Engineering with a strong structural background and a minimum of 10 years of experience in DOE nuclear facilities and/or commercial nuclear plants; M.S. degree preferred
• Highly knowledgeable and proficient in material designs such as steel, masonry, concrete, and cold-formed metal design
• Strong understanding of material handling practices and the various lift classifications
• Proficiency in applying AISC, ACI, AWS, ASCE, ANSI, and other relevant codes and standards for nuclear facility design
• Experience with STAAD.Pro finite element analysis is desirable
• Experience with dynamic response spectra analyses is also desirable

At Spectra Tech, Inc., our recruitment team is powered by real people in real time—personally reviewing every application with care and integrity. We take pride in identifying and recruiting top-tier talent while maintaining full alignment with federal regulations, EEOC standards, and fair hiring practices that reflect our commitment to excellence and equity.

Spectra Tech, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. We are also an E-verify employer.