Mechanical Engineer

Job Title - Mechanical Engineer III Job Location - Wilmington, North Carolina Job Description - Working Model: 100% remote, no preference on candidate timezone Working Hours: 9am - 5pm, flexible, candidate must be able to work EST hours Travel: Possible travel to Canada - candidate must be able to travel within US and Canada Interview Process: Virtual with cameras on, panel, 1 round Role Overview We are seeking a highly technical Mechanical Design Engineer to support the X‑300 SMR project, focused on the design and fabrication of nuclear mechanical components. You will be a key technical authority from design through fabrication and final acceptance, ensuring all components are “fit for service” and fully compliant with nuclear codes and standards. This role is critical to keeping the construction schedule on track and ensuring long‑term plant reliability.
Key Responsibilities

• Design Ownership
• Develop and review mechanical component design specifications, calculations, and drawings.
• Define materials, weld details, and inspection requirements in accordance with ASME Section III.
• Approve CMTRs, CoCs, weld and NDE records, dimensional inspection reports, and final data packages.
• Fabrication & Vendor Oversight
• Support Vendor Response (VR) type issues such as, but not limited to, Supplier Change Requests, Inspection and Test Plans, Procedure Reviews, Vendor Document Reviews, etc.
• Translate design requirements into clear, buildable fabrication documents.
• Review and approve vendor fabrication procedures, manufacturing plans, and test plans.
• Monitor and resolve technical issues during fabrication, fit-up, and final inspection.
• Code, Qualification & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with ASME Section III (and related codes), and nuclear QA requirements (10 CFR 50 Appendix B / NQA‑1).
• Support environmental and seismic qualification of components, and document justification for design/fabrication decisions.
• Lead resolution of non-conformances (NCRs) and design/fabrication open items.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with design, analysis, quality, supply chain, and construction teams.
• Communicate technical risks, status, and trade‑offs to leadership and suppliers.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
• Experience: 5+ years in nuclear or highly regulated industry, focused on ASME Section III Class 1, 2, or 3 mechanical components (pressure vessels, piping, valves, supports, etc.).
• Technical Skills:
• Strong knowledge of ASME Section III and ASME B31.1.
• Familiarity with ASME material, welding, and NDE requirements.
• Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Experience working under nuclear QA programs (10 CFR 50 Appendix B / NQA‑1).
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to resolve complex technical issues under schedule pressure; strong written and verbal communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications

• Certifications: P.E. preferred; ASME Certifying Engineer strongly preferred (or actively pursuing).
• Familiarity with ASME OM Code and in‑service considerations.
• Experience across design, build, and test phases for mechanical components.
• Demonstrated project leadership in multi‑discipline engineering environments.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.