Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Nuclear Design (Remote, ET/CT Preferred)Job DescriptionThis role focuses on delivering high-quality mechanical engineering design and analysis for nuclear power plants and related energy sector projects. The Mechanical Engineer evaluates mechanical and electromechanical systems, leads and supports engineering projects from concept through implementation, and provides expert technical guidance on design processes and construction methods. The position involves analyzing complex problems, developing practical solutions, and translating technical results into clear, actionable recommendations for clients, while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Responsibilities
- Complete engineering projects by analyzing technical problems, defining project scope, and organizing and controlling all project elements from inception to completion.
- Provide expert advice on mechanical design processes and construction methods for nuclear power plant systems and components.
- Formulate and direct investigations, prototype evaluations, model development, and system studies, including analyzing and interpreting test and analytical data.
- Recommend practical applications of investigation results to improve system performance, reliability, and safety within nuclear power plant environments.
- Perform detailed reviews of complex engineering calculations, design deliverables, and technical documentation to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
- Analyze engineering problems and establish general performance specifications for mechanical components, equipment, systems, and processes.
- Evaluate mechanical and electromechanical systems and products by applying principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials science.
- Collaborate with other engineers and project stakeholders to determine project priorities, resolve technical issues, and understand the implications of design decisions on the work of others.
- Develop effective technical solutions and define appropriate deliverables that address client needs and resolve identified issues.
- Approve or provide input on work schedules and make recommendations for additional resources or special equipment when required to meet project objectives.
- Apply and adhere to client Engineering Change Control processes for nuclear power generation utilities when implementing design changes.
- Incorporate Nuclear Quality Assurance Standards into design activities, documentation, and review processes.
- Communicate clearly with station and utility customers to explain technical concepts, present findings, and build trust-based working relationships.
- Manage time effectively across multiple projects, ensuring timely completion of tasks and deliverables in a remote or hybrid work setting.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
- 310 years of relevant mechanical engineering work experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing in the nuclear industry.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations applicable to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Working knowledge of Nuclear Quality Assurance Standards and their application to design and documentation.
- Proficiency in mechanical design and engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials.
- Ability to perform and review complex engineering calculations and design deliverables with a high degree of accuracy.
- Experience with project engineering, including planning, organizing, and controlling engineering project activities.
- Proficiency with design tools such as AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, documenting analyses, and interacting with clients and team members.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with station customers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to work effectively in a remote environment while maintaining alignment with Eastern Time (ET) or Central Time (CT) schedules.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting the design of nuclear power plants within a consulting or utility environment.
- Knowledge and implementation experience with client Engineering Change Control processes for nuclear power generation utilities.
- Experience working within an entrepreneurial, project-based engineering environment with both technical and managerial career growth opportunities.
- Ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, practical recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrated capability to build trust and maintain strong relationships with customers and project partners.
- Interest in continuous learning and professional growth within the energy and nuclear sectors.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based within a design engineering division that provides comprehensive engineering, design, analysis, and consulting services for the energy sector, with a strong focus on nuclear power. You will work in a positive and supportive environment alongside a diverse team of engineers who collaborate to solve complex technical challenges. The position offers flexibility, with the option to work 100% remote while aligning to Eastern Time or Central Time schedules; candidates in other time zones are expected to follow an Eastern Time work schedule. The organization currently supports a flexible work-from-home and office arrangement where applicable. Work involves the use of modern engineering design and analysis tools, including CAD software such as AutoCAD, and requires regular virtual collaboration with clients and colleagues. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, challenging and meaningful work, and clear opportunities for career growth along both technical and leadership paths. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $90.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully remote position.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.