Senior Reactor Design Engineer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory
parental leave, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Pennsylvania, West Mifflin
814 Pittsburgh McKeesport Boulevard (Show on map)
Oct 15, 2026
About Us Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description If you are an Engineer with a strong interest in mechanical design and analysis and want to work directly with world class engineers, scientists, researchers and technicians that support the world's best Navy, apply today! The Advanced Mechanical Design group is seeking a highly motivated, self-driven mechanical engineer for new reactor core design development. This is a unique opportunity to get in on the early stage of a new reactor design and work in a dynamic, collaborative environment. The team's near-term focus is (1) development and structural evaluation of the concept design for the program's next reactor core; (2) the advent of mechanical improvements to solve existing fleet challenges through the development of new and novel mechanical concepts; and (3) support of manufacturing development at the laboratories and manufacturing vendor. Reactor design evaluations may be performed with simple, first-principles based scoping tools up through detailed analyses utilizing the latest structural analysis codes. The successful candidate will work with a diverse team of engineers who reside at both the Knolls and Bettis sites. The position requires effective communication within the team, with other core design disciplines, and with stakeholder organizations including materials and manufacturing. A knowledgeable staff is available for mentoring, training, and guidance. Through exciting and challenging diverse work assignments and a strong mentoring culture, NNL engineers have the opportunity to continue gaining technical skills and broadening their experience throughout their careers. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience; or Currently a Senior Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company. Preferred Skills Ability to work and demonstrate leadership in a team environment Working knowledge of pressurized water reactors Experience with structural analyses including the use of FEA software Experience with the development of design drawings and manufacturing processes Proven effectiveness in technical writing and presentations Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits! Pay Range $95,700.00 - $149,600.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards, satellite, and vendor locations. For more than 75 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana. Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law. Apply Now