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Fracture Mechanics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stress Engineer

Wichita, KS ยท On-site

$52.50 - $72/hr

You will apply advanced fracture mechanics principles to predict the life of metallic and composite structures under complex operational loading environments, establishing inspection intervals that ...

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Fracture Mechanics information

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How much do fracture mechanics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for fracture mechanics in the United States is $26.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fracture Mechanics vs Materials Engineer?

AspectFracture MechanicsMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Civil, or Materials Engineering; specialized training in fracture analysisBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering; certifications like ASM or NACE beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, automotive, or structural testing facilitiesManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control departments
Industry UsageFocuses on analyzing crack growth, failure prediction, and material toughnessDesigns, develops, and tests materials for durability and performance

While both roles involve materials and structural integrity, Fracture Mechanics specializes in analyzing crack propagation and failure mechanisms, whereas Materials Engineers focus on developing and testing materials for various applications. Understanding these differences helps professionals and employers align skills with job requirements effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in fracture mechanics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in fracture mechanics often encounter challenges such as accurately predicting material failure under complex loading conditions, interpreting fracture data from various materials, and keeping up with advancements in simulation tools and testing methods. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists and structural engineers, is essential to address these challenges. Staying updated through continued education and hands-on experience with the latest analytical software and experimental techniques can significantly improve problem-solving and lead to more reliable engineering solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fracture mechanics engineer?

To thrive as a Fracture Mechanics Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and failure analysis, often supported by an engineering degree and specialized coursework or experience in fracture mechanics. Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) software, fracture mechanics testing equipment, and industry standards such as ASTM E399 is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial to accurately predict material behavior, improve safety, and prevent catastrophic failures in critical structures.

What is fracture mechanics?

Fracture mechanics is a field of engineering and materials science that studies the propagation of cracks in materials. It uses analytical and experimental methods to predict when and how materials will fail due to the growth of cracks under various loading conditions. This knowledge is crucial for designing safer structures and components in industries such as aerospace, civil engineering, and manufacturing. By understanding fracture mechanics, engineers can assess the durability and reliability of materials, prevent catastrophic failures, and extend the service life of products.
More about Fracture Mechanics jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Fracture Mechanics jobs? The most popular types of Fracture Mechanics jobs are:
What states have the most Fracture Mechanics jobs? States with the most job openings for Fracture Mechanics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fracture Mechanics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,198 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Fracture Mechanics Engineer

Framatome North America

Lynchburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Why This Role Is Critical

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn't be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet's greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

In this role, you will contribute to high-value engineering work supporting operating plants, long-term operation, inspection planning, repair evaluations, and plant-specific technical justifications. You will work with experienced nuclear engineers across fracture mechanics, materials, stress analysis, design, and licensing to develop technically sound and practical solutions for complex plant conditions.

What You'll Do Day-To-Day
  • Perform engineering evaluations related to fracture mechanics, structural integrity, fatigue crack growth, flaw evaluation, and fitness-for-service assessment of nuclear power plant components.
  • Support deterministic assessments and, where applicable, probabilistic fracture mechanics applications for operating nuclear plants.
  • Evaluate crack growth behavior, fracture toughness, stress inputs, inspection findings, degradation mechanisms, and structural margins for plant components and welded structures.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, analysis summaries, and other supporting technical documentation.
  • Support technical evaluations associated with continued service, inspection interval justification, repair assessments, and long-term operation.
  • Apply engineering methods, industry standards, and analytical tools to assess component integrity.
  • Interface with other engineering disciplines, including materials, stress analysis, design engineering, licensing, and plant engineering, to support integrated technical evaluations.
  • Support resolution of technical questions, internal and external review comments.
  • Provides suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements. ย 

Maintain a safety mindset.

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's Degree mechanical, Nuclear, or Electrical Engineering
    • Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.ย 
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
  • Knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria. ย 
  • Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
  • Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Good problem identification and problem resolution skills. ย 
  • Displays informal leadership characteristics. ย 
  • Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking. ย 
  • Advanced proficiency with specialized software tools and programming languages as required by the role.
  • Relevant experience or academic background in fracture mechanics, structural integrity, stress analysis, fatigue, materials engineering, or nuclear engineering.
  • Strong foundation in engineering fundamentals related to stress analysis, fracture mechanics, materials behavior, and structural performance.
  • Familiarity with engineering codes and standards, particularly ASME B&PV Code Section XI, and with analytical methods used in the nuclear industry is preferred.
  • Knowledge of ANSYS is desired; experience with ABAQUS is an asset.
  • Experience with analytical and numerical tools such as finite element analysis software, MathCAD, Python, or Excel-based engineering calculations is desirable.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, technically sound documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to apply sound engineering judgment in a technically rigorous environment.
  • Interest in continued technical development in fracture mechanics, structural integrity, and nuclear plant applications.
Total Rewards Package

Total Rewards Packageย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • Salary: $100,000 - $110,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
  • Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
  • Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
  • Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.
About Framatome

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

  • Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
  • Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
  • Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunityย /ย Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOEย 810ย Appendixย A).

Employment Type: FULL_TIME