Principal Engineer, Mechanical - Nuclear

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
• Serve as technical lead for complex mechanical engineering projects supporting commercial nuclear power plants.
• Provide technical oversight and independent review of engineering calculations, analyses, modifications, specifications, and design packages.
• Develop engineering approaches and solutions for complex technical challenges affecting plant safety, reliability, operability, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide expertise in the evaluation, design, modification, and operation of nuclear plant mechanical systems and equipment.
• Interpret and apply applicable engineering codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and industry guidance.
• Support development and implementation of innovative engineering solutions for modernization and emerging nuclear technologies.
• Perform technical reviews and quality oversight of engineering products produced by project teams.
• Client Leadership
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with utility clients and key stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary technical resource during client meetings, project reviews, technical workshops, and planning efforts.
• Provide technical consultation regarding plant modifications, equipment reliability, design issues, engineering best practices, and nuclear industry challenges.
• Represent Zachry during technical discussions with clients and external organizations.
• Organizational Leadership
• Mentor engineers across multiple experience levels and disciplines.
• Support development of technical standards, engineering procedures, and best practices.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and contribute to the development of future technical leaders.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to project teams.
• Lead major project teams and provide direction on complex engineering assignments.
• Business Development
• Support proposal development activities, including technical scope development, estimating support, and project planning.
• Identify emerging client needs and industry opportunities.
• Aid in the development of engineering solutions that support organizational growth and client success.
• Support strategic initiatives that expand Zachry's capabilities and services.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Experience: Minimum fifteen (15) years of relevant engineering experience with an active Professional Engineer (PE) license. Demonstrated commercial nuclear power experience involving the modification (SDP), design, analysis, operation, maintenance, or evaluation of nuclear plant mechanical systems and equipment. Experience leading complex engineering projects, providing technical oversight, and serving as a technical resource for multidisciplinary teams.
• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred and expected for candidates pursuing the Principal Engineer level. Candidates without a PE license may be considered only if they possess a minimum of twenty (20) years of directly relevant engineering experience and can demonstrate expertise consistent with Engineer VI expectations.
• Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline. Expertise in one or more specialized areas including: Pipe Stress Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), ASME Section III Code, ASME Section VIII Code, PEPSE, Safety Analysis, Mechanical design and evaluation of nuclear plant systems. Experience supporting major nuclear utility clients. Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering programs or large project teams. Active participation in professional organizations, technical committees, standards groups, or industry conferences. Experience supporting proposal development and business growth initiatives.
• Additional Requirements: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Strong time-management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities. Ability to pass security and drug screening requirements and maintain unescorted access to commercial nuclear power facilities. Ability to travel to client sites and support periods of field and office work. Ability to perform plant walkdowns in industrial environments, including climbing ladders, accessing security-controlled areas, and entering confined or controlled-access areas. Ability to understand and comply with company policies, procedures, and processes.