Thermal Structural Engineer (Chicago)

My client is a rapidly growing advanced energy and engineering technology company developing next-generation nuclear systems. As the organization continues to expand, they are seeking a Thermal Structural Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of advanced microreactor systems. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with strong thermal, structural, and computational analysis experience to take on meaningful technical ownership and contribute to the development of innovative reactor technology. The company is open to candidates across multiple experience levels, with compensation and level of responsibility determined based on the candidate’s experience and technical expertise.

What You’ll Do

• Perform thermal and structural analyses supporting the design and development of advanced microreactor systems.
• Conduct heat transfer, thermal stress, fluid mechanics, and mechanical performance evaluations for reactor components and complex systems.
• Develop and execute engineering analyses using advanced simulation and FEA tools, with experience in ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus, or equivalent highly relevant.
• Support computational modeling, finite element analysis, and design optimization activities.
• Evaluate components and systems under steady-state, transient, and accident-condition operating scenarios.
• Support mechanical design activities including component sizing, material selection, and design verification.
• Take ownership of thermal and structural analysis activities, with opportunities for increased technical leadership based on experience level.
• Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, design documentation, and technical presentations.
• Collaborate closely with nuclear, mechanical, materials, systems, and licensing teams.
• Participate in design reviews, testing activities, and technical problem-solving efforts.
• Apply engineering principles, ASME codes, and industry standards to support safe and reliable reactor designs.
• More experienced engineers may take on expanded technical ownership, mentoring responsibilities, and leadership of analysis activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required; Master’s degree preferred, with flexibility on years of experience.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanics of materials.
• Experience with thermal-fluid systems, structural analysis, pressure vessels, high-temperature components, or similarly complex engineering systems.
• Strong computational analysis and engineering simulation experience.
• Experience with ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus, or similar advanced engineering analysis tools.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other modeling and programming tools is valuable, particularly when used for engineering analysis and simulation. The relevance of this experience will be evaluated based on how these tools have been used in practice.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly through written reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Nuclear experience is highly preferred but not required. Relevant experience from aerospace, oil & gas, energy, defense, or other technically complex industries will be considered.
• Experience with advanced reactor systems, HTGRs, microreactors, or other nuclear technologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with ASME codes and standards is preferred.
• Experience supporting technical documentation for regulatory review is a plus.