Applied Mechanics Engineer (3986)

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting an Applied Mechanics Engineer (3986) in a remote position but with some travel to Idaho Falls, ID when needed.  

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client’s success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense. 

Position Summary 

The Applied Mechanics Engineer applies engineering principles to the analysis, modeling, simulation, and design of structural and mechanical systems for a novel advanced nuclear reactor project. The position performs linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic evaluations of stress, force, vibration, material plasticity, and related mechanical behavior, and compares results with governing codes, standards, orders, and design requirements. 

The engineer performs dynamic seismic analysis of structures, systems, and components, including soil-structure interaction and site response analyses, and supports advanced reactor design and safety analysis through technically rigorous calculations, models, design documentation, peer review, and multidisciplinary coordination. 

This is a six-month remote assignment requiring 40 hours per week (1,040 total hours) on a 4x10 schedule, Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Occasional travel to the INL site is expected, averaging approximately once per month for the duration of the contract.

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers supporting the design of a novel advanced reactor. 

• Perform thermomechanical analyses of reactor internals, including high-temperature graphite and other exotic materials. 

• Apply the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and ASCE 7 requirements to mechanical, structural, and seismic analyses. 

• Develop physics-based mathematical models of mechanical, chemical, or electrical systems to support and verify design decisions. 

• Support design teams with alternatives analyses, equipment selection and sizing, vendor equipment summaries and evaluations, specifications, drawings, supporting analyses and calculations, and engineering design files. 

• Perform structural mechanics designs and analyses of structures, systems, and components under normal operating conditions, natural phenomena hazards, and accident conditions for operating advanced nuclear reactors. 

• Support safety analysis by simulating postulated accidents and evaluating their structural and mechanical consequences. 

• Document designs through controlled and approved models, drawings, specifications, and design descriptions to demonstrate conformance with design requirements and applicable codes and standards. 

• Document engineering analyses in accordance with approved engineering process requirements. 

• Apply ASME, ASCE, and other mechanical and structural codes in relation to DOE requirements for safety-class systems. 

• Perform calculations and develop models to investigate the nonlinear response of nuclear facilities and systems to seismic ground motion, including advanced nonlinear site response analyses. 

• Provide technical leadership, peer review, checking, and consultation to fellow engineers. 

• Serve as a primary author of professional technical reports and presentations. 

• Contribute to business planning and development efforts, advise management within the area of technical expertise, and serve as a technical spokesperson to customers when assigned. 

• Work effectively independently and as part of a team, providing constructive input and maintaining professional working relationships under pressure and tight deadlines. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Reactor Project Engineer. 

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of structural dynamics and seismic analysis, including linear and nonlinear seismic soil-structure interaction analysis, site response analysis, and advanced seismic probabilistic risk assessment methods. 

• Knowledge of nuclear systems and advanced reactors. 

• Experience applying engineering design techniques, tools, and principles to produce precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment used in engineering design and production. 

• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems and combine information to form sound conclusions, including identifying relationships among seemingly unrelated events. 

• Ability to recognize when a problem exists or is likely to occur. 

• Ability to listen to, understand, and clearly communicate technical information and ideas through spoken and written communication. 

• Ability to work remotely and travel to the Materials and Fuels Complex as required. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience applying ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5 to advanced reactor systems and components. 

• Experience performing seismic evaluations in accordance with ASCE 7. 

• Experience with advanced nonlinear site response analysis techniques and the development of advanced seismic probabilistic risk assessment methods. 

• Experience serving as a technical advisor, customer spokesperson, peer reviewer, or engineering lead. 

Education and Experience 

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited program and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience; or a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited program and a minimum of six years of relevant experience. 

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required. 

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.. 

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled