Mechanical Engineer - Thermal Structures

Position Title

Thermal Structural Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Thermal Structural Engineer opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• 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.

Job 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.

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $85,000 - $215,000 Location: Oak Brook, IL (Onsite).

Due to government contract requirements, this position is restricted to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residential or GC Holder only.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies.

We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.