Structural Analysis Engineer, Metallics

Structural Analysis Engineer - Metallics

Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Employment Type: Full time
Start: Immediate
Travel: Up to 10%

The Opportunity

We're partnered with an advanced nuclear energy company developing the next generation of reliable, carbon-free power. As its structural analysis team grows, we're seeking a Structural Analysis Engineer to support the development of high-temperature metallic components for an advanced reactor programme.

This role combines structural analysis, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code interpretation and engineering judgment. You'll use ANSYS, hand calculations and Python-based analysis tools to assess complex components, helping translate Code requirements into practical engineering assessments.

Your work will support steam generator components, pressure vessels, piping and reactor internals, taking designs through analysis, manufacturing, testing and commissioning. You'll join an established engineering team with long-term programme work and the opportunity to develop into a technical leadership role as your expertise and contribution grow.

What You'll Do

• Perform structural and thermal-structural analysis of high-temperature metallic components, including pressure vessels, piping, steam generator components and reactor internals.
• Develop, assess and review ANSYS finite element models, supported by hand calculations and independent engineering checks.
• Evaluate stress, deformation, fatigue, creep, buckling and structural integrity under relevant operating conditions.
• Interpret and apply ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code requirements, particularly Section III, Division 5 and/or Section VIII, Division 2.
• Define analysis methods, load cases, boundary conditions, assumptions and acceptance criteria.
• Help develop, validate and apply Python-based calculation and analysis tools, ensuring they accurately reflect the underlying engineering and Code requirements.
• Work closely with design and systems engineers to resolve technical issues and support component development, manufacturability and integration.
• Prepare clear, traceable calculations, technical reports and engineering assessments.
• Contribute to design reviews and independently review engineering calculations and analysis deliverables.
• Support testing, qualification and verification activities, communicating findings and recommendations clearly to the wider team.

What You'll Bring

We're particularly interested in engineers who combine ASME Code knowledge, strong structural analysis capability, ANSYS and Python.

You'll bring:

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience analysing mechanical components or complex metallic hardware, with a strong understanding of structural mechanics, materials behaviour and stress analysis.
• Practical structural FEA experience, ideally using ANSYS, and the ability to validate results through hand calculations and sound engineering judgment.
• Experience applying engineering codes and standards to structural assessments. ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code knowledge is a key priority, particularly Section III, Division 5 and/or Section VIII, Division 2.
• The ability to interpret technical requirements, drawings and specifications, and translate them into appropriate analysis approaches.
• Clear technical writing and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and technical review.

Python experience is strongly preferred, particularly for engineering calculations, analysis automation or developing calculation tools. Engineers with substantial high-temperature ASME Code expertise and more limited Python experience are also encouraged to apply.

Particularly Relevant Experience

• High-temperature metallic component analysis, including thermal stress, creep, fatigue and lifetime performance.
• Pressure vessels, piping, steam generators, reactor internals or other complex mechanical systems.
• Applying both ASME Section III, Division 5 and Section VIII, Division 2.
• Developing or validating engineering analysis tools against Code requirements.
• Supporting physical components through design, manufacturing, testing or commissioning.
• Working in regulated or safety-critical engineering environments.

Direct nuclear experience is valuable but is not essential. Relevant backgrounds may include aerospace propulsion, jet engines, gas turbines, turbomachinery, power generation and petrochemical or process equipment.

Engineers with strong high-temperature metallic hardware analysis experience and limited direct ASME exposure may also be considered where their technical background transfers well to the role.

Experience Level and Progression

The preferred appointment is at Level III or Level IV, typically suited to engineers with around 5-10+ years of relevant experience. Technical capability matters more than an exact number of years.

Engineers earlier in their careers who already combine ASME Code experience with strong analysis and Python skills are encouraged to apply, as are experienced specialists with deep high-temperature Code expertise.

For someone who demonstrates the right technical capability, the role offers a path toward technical leadership within a growing structural analysis team.

Interested?

If you enjoy working through complex structural problems and applying engineering judgment to high-temperature components, we'd welcome a conversation.