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Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant Jobs

$50 - $55/hr

This is a 1-year contract assignment (W-2). If you are a Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C Engineer with a background in nuclear power plant design engineering, then this job is for you. You have the ...

Design Engineer

Crete, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Nuclear & Power Plant Applications * Whiting Services * Services Branch Locations * Overhead Crane ... Focus in machinery, mechanical or structural design preferred. * A demonstrated working knowledge ...

Showing results 41-60

Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant information

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$43K

$103.5K

$192.5K

How much do structural design engineer nuclear power plant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural design engineer nuclear power plant in the United States is $103,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a structural design engineer do at a nuclear power plant?

A Structural Design Engineer at a nuclear power plant is responsible for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the integrity of structures such as containment buildings, cooling towers, and support systems. They use advanced engineering principles and software to create safe and efficient designs that can withstand extreme conditions, including earthquakes, high winds, and radiation. These engineers also ensure compliance with regulatory standards and collaborate with other engineers and safety experts throughout the plant’s lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural design engineer in a nuclear power plant?

To thrive as a Structural Design Engineer in a Nuclear Power Plant, you need expertise in structural analysis, civil engineering principles, and a relevant engineering degree, often with experience in nuclear standards and regulations. Proficiency with specialized design software like STAAD.Pro, ANSYS, and familiarity with codes such as ASME and ACI, as well as nuclear safety certifications, are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help ensure robust and compliant designs. These capabilities are crucial to guarantee the safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance of critical infrastructure in a high-stakes environment.

What are the main challenges a structural design engineer faces when working on nuclear power plant projects?

Structural Design Engineers in nuclear power plant projects often encounter unique challenges such as adhering to stringent safety regulations, accommodating seismic and environmental loads, and ensuring structural integrity over long service lifespans. The complexity of integrating new designs with existing infrastructure and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams can also be demanding. Additionally, engineers must keep up-to-date with evolving industry standards and participate in rigorous review processes to guarantee compliance and safety.

What is the difference between Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural Design Engineer Nuclear Power PlantCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Structural or Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning structures for nuclear facilities, safety-critical environmentsDesigning various infrastructure projects like buildings, bridges, roads
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear power, energy, and specialized industrial sectorsConstruction, transportation, urban development sectors

While both roles require a civil or structural engineering background and similar credentials, the Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant focuses specifically on designing safety-critical structures for nuclear facilities, whereas the Civil Engineer has a broader scope across various infrastructure projects.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant jobs?

For Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Structural Design Engineer Nuclear Power Plant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,463 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Civil/Structural Designer - Nuclear

Chattanooga, TN • Hybrid

Mesa Associates Inc.
Engineering Professional Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

GIG Nuclear / Generation Industrial and Government

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

We’ve got the power to energize your career and spark YOUR work/life balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive and meaningful career. Mesa Associates, Inc. is a woman/minority-owned full-service engineering, procurement, and project management firm covering power, defense, aerospace, industrial, commercial, and municipal entities. We specialize in power generation and delivery services. Our Nuclear Services Division specializes in providing high-quality engineering, procurement, design, and project management for operating and new reactor clients, and partners with our other divisions to integrate nuclear design with electrical high-voltage, substations, switchyard, transmission line, and distribution design. We have been in the top 10 of EC&M's Top 40 Electrical Design Firms since 2012. With over 1,000 associates, we are big enough to perform, but small enough to care!

Mesa Associates is seeking a Civil/Structural Designer to join our nuclear services team and contribute to the design development of modifications and new designs related to nuclear facilities. This is an opportunity to play a critical role in the engineering and design processes for commercial nuclear power generation. Mesa's strategic growth strategy for our commercial nuclear division is to create a ready service pool of available staff to support proposals and projects in nuclear generation.

The position is hybrid working a minimum of 3 days in the office, typically Tuesday through Thursday, with the ability to work from home the remaining workdays. Candidates must be able to travel to plant sites when needed (approx. 6-8 days/month with ability to support longer durations).

Education/Experience/Licensure:

  • Minimum of a High School diploma, Associate degree (preferred)
  • 4+ years of experience working with operating nuclear (DOE or commercial) clients and vendors (preferred)
  • Ability to obtain unescorted access at an operating or construction nuclear plant (required)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
  • AutoCAD and 3D modeling experience using Inventor or Solidworks (required)

Responsibilities:

  • Understand and apply engineering design principles to create drawing deliverables in support of design packages
  • Drive assigned projects to completion
  • Perform self-checks to minimize rework
  • Travel to client facilities for the purpose of gathering field information and participating in design review meetings/other as required
  • Be responsible for working with other engineers and designers to provide input to design change packages for modifications at operating nuclear plants and other associated nuclear facilities
  • Perform a broad range of Civil/Structural design activities to support development of design change documentation

Successful candidates will:

  • Have effective oral and written communication skills
  • Possesses good interpersonal skills to build relationships and work effectively in a team environment
  • Have the ability to work on high performance teams
  • May have design engineering experience associated with commercial nuclear sites
  • Possess the ability to interpret codes and, regulations, and standard practices
  • Be able to demonstrate adaptability; must be proficient in identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving issues within a nuclear power plant environment
  • Possess excellent communication skills and ability to interface with customers and internal team members under a matrixed organization
  • Have familiarity with general arrangement, equipment, structural, and mechanical drawings

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.