Senior Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear

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Project Overview:

Bechtel is the licensing, engineering, procurement, and construction partner on TerraPower’s Natrium team. Selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Natrium is participating in a DOE initiative to re-establish U.S. leadership in nuclear energy that provides matching funding to industry to design and build an operational advanced reactor. TerraPower, a leading advanced generation technology company founded by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, will be deploying its 345 MWe sodium fast reactor (SFR), called Natrium.

The Natrium plant features an advanced, cost-competitive reactor design that is safer, simpler, easier, and less costly to construct, less expensive to operate, and able to provide energy that is competitive with fossil fuels. It also features an innovative molten salt energy storage system designed to be complementary to solar and wind power by evening out the peaks and valleys in production when the sun is not shining, or the wind is not blowing. With the reactor and energy storage output combined, the plant can produce more than 500 MWe of power.

Other Team Natrium partners include GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Energy Northwest, PacifiCorp, and Duke Energy, along with support from a number of national laboratories and universities. This DOE Program has the potential to be the largest funding program for advanced nuclear power in U.S. history and will shape the future of nuclear energy for decades.

Job Summary:

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, this position will support the design development of Mechanical systems and equipment for the Natrium Reactor project by preparing calculations (line and pump sizing, design pressure/temperature, vessel/tank sizing, equipment sizing, pressure safety valve sizing, etc.), drawings (P&IDs), engineering studies, engineering specifications, equipment data sheets, and evaluations, in accordance with applicable procedures, codes, standards, and contract requirements. The successful candidate must have strong organizational and teamwork skills, proven problem-solving skills, can-do attitude, and the desire to innovate designs.

This role will be based in Knoxville, TN with periodic business travel, as required.

Major Responsibilities:

• Design Mechanical systems for nuclear facilities.
• Originate and check Mechanical design and procurement documents, including, but not limited to, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), supporting calculations, data sheets, engineering specifications, and material requisitions.

• Support interfacing mechanical and fire protection design and procurement activities.
• Evaluate, select, and apply standard mechanical engineering methods, techniques, procedures, and criteria to support engineering design decisions.
• Coordinate mechanical engineering efforts in assigned areas with specialty groups, engineering disciplines, the client, vendor, contractors, construction and other functional groups.
• Originate, check and review conceptual studies, designs, reports, or proposals.
• Provide technical assistance to other Mechanical personnel and interact with interfacing project functions, the customer, and regulatory agency personnel in the resolution of complex regulatory issues and industry codes and standards.
• Assist project and construction management in identifying and complying with project mechanical requirements and in addressing issues as they arise during project execution.
• Prepare mechanical engineering reports for clients, as required.
• Mentor and assist junior Mechanical team members.
• Apply knowledge of industry, and regulatory guides, codes, and standards.
• Complete quality engineering task assignments within budget and on schedule.
• Support and implement the Bechtel Quality Culture in day-to-day work activities.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Level One: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical (or related) Engineering with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive related professional work experience.
• Level Two: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical (or related) Engineering with a minimum of eight (8) years of progressive related professional work experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be able to complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Must be authorized to live and work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

• Extensive knowledge and application of ANSI/ASME Codes and Standards including ASME B31.1 or B31.3 and/or international equivalents.
• Experience developing mechanical calculations.
• Experience developing mechanical P&IDs.

• Experience collaborating/leading in a multi-discipline team to develop engineering and procurement design deliverables for large complex projects. 
• Experience with line and pump sizing specific software such as Pipe-Flo, AFT Fathom, etc.

• Ability to implement industry codes and standards into Mechanical system design.

• A competitive candidate will have experience in mechanical design on large government and/or capital projects along with an aptitude to take on new work.
• Experience working with procedures meeting quality assurance programs such as ASME-NQA-1 or ISO-9000.
• U.S. Professional Engineering License (or ability to obtain).

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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