Independent Contractor Nuclear Design Jobs in Ohio

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Fuel Handling System Design Engineer (Nuclear) based in Germany.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the design of advanced nuclear energy systems that support the next generation of clean power solutions. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design of complex fuel handling systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative, safe, and compliant reactor technologies. You will play a key role throughout the entire design lifecycle, from concept development to system qualification and licensing support. The position offers exposure to cutting-edge engineering challenges in a highly technical, collaborative environment where precision, innovation, and regulatory excellence are essential. If you are passionate about nuclear engineering and complex mechanical system design, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of energy.

Accountabilities:

As a Senior Fuel Handling System Design Engineer, you will lead the design and integration of nuclear fuel handling systems while ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines. You will oversee system development, provide technical guidance, and support testing and licensing activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Design nuclear fuel handling systems and subsystems from concept development through final engineering design.
• Coordinate and integrate engineering analyses, including thermal, seismic, structural, piping stress, and heat transfer evaluations.
• Develop and review Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to support conceptual and detailed designs.
• Provide technical leadership on thermal, fluid, mechanical, and process design requirements.
• Apply applicable engineering codes and standards, including ASME, ANS, ASTM, IEEE, NFPA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain engineering specifications, system requirements, and technical documentation.
• Create and manage engineering drawing packages, including P&IDs, 3D models, interface drawings, and design reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration across mechanical, civil, controls, and nuclear disciplines.
• Provide technical oversight for suppliers, review deliverables, and support contractor coordination.
• Plan and support system qualification testing, evaluate test results, and document findings.
• Contribute to licensing activities by supporting safety analysis documentation and design reviews.
• Maintain project schedules while ensuring high-quality engineering deliverables.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is an experienced mechanical engineer with a strong background in nuclear systems design, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to lead complex engineering efforts within highly regulated environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems, preferably within the nuclear industry.
• Proven experience designing nuclear fuel handling systems, nuclear process systems, or comparable high-performance mechanical equipment.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary engineering integration and complex plant system design.
• Experience developing and reviewing FEA and CFD models.
• Familiarity with nuclear engineering codes, standards, and quality programs such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.
• Experience creating engineering documentation, specifications, interface documents, and design packages.
• Ability to coordinate multiple engineering activities while balancing competing technical priorities.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively across engineering teams.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to engineering excellence.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $69 to $115 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Remote work opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees.
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge advanced nuclear reactor development.
• Collaborative environment with highly skilled engineers and scientists.
• Exposure to innovative, technically challenging engineering projects.
• Professional growth opportunities within advanced nuclear technology programs.