Nuclear Power Plant Structural Engineer

Job Description This kind of role requires a solid understanding of both structural engineering principles and the specific considerations that come with working in nuclear environments.

Key Responsibilities : Site Investigations & Documentation :

You will be tasked with inspecting existing buildings and structures to assess their current condition, particularly focusing on any wear, damage, or areas requiring repair. Documenting findings is essential to ensure accurate assessments and to guide future design and construction work.

Construction Administration :

Overseeing the construction phase of projects, including monitoring work done by contractors, ensuring it meets design specifications, and addressing any issues that arise during execution. Tasks also include reviewing bids, attending site meetings, and ensuring completed work aligns with the construction documents.

Project Management :

Serving as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication, managing project timelines, budgets, and coordination among different teams. Handling a variety of projects related to the assessment, repair, and modification of existing structures, particularly in nuclear settings.

Design & Repair Measures :

Designing and implementing solutions to rehabilitate or restore structural components. This includes drafting construction documents, such as repair plans, and creating detailed designs for modifications to existing structures.

Investigation & Reporting :

If there are structural failures or adverse performance issues, your job would be to investigate the root cause, identify solutions, and document the findings in detailed technical reports. This could involve forensic analysis, particularly important in the nuclear sector due to safety regulations and long-term durability requirements.

Client Interaction & Professional Development :

Direct client contact is key to understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions. Pursuing continued professional development through research, publications, and presentations to enhance professional standing and keep up with emerging industry trends.

Skills & Qualifications : Strong Structural Engineering Background : Deep knowledge of steel and concrete structures, especially in the context of aging or damaged buildings. Familiarity with Nuclear Regulations : Understanding the specific codes and standards related to nuclear facilities and the design/repair processes in this specialized field. Project Management Expertise : Experience leading teams, handling multiple projects, and managing budgets and schedules. Attention to Detail & Technical Writing : Being able to document findings, design solutions, and generate reports with a high level of detail. Communication Skills : A key part of the role involves interacting with clients, contractors, and possibly regulatory bodies, requiring excellent verbal and written communication. Key Challenges : Safety : Nuclear projects involve a high level of scrutiny and adherence to safety standards, meaning that any structural failure or rehabilitation work requires thorough analysis and precise design. Aging Infrastructure : Working on older buildings, especially those that were not originally designed for modern demands, can pose unique challenges, such as discovering unforeseen damage or deterioration. Complexity of Work : Structural repairs or modifications in the nuclear industry may involve highly specialized work, with additional layers of complexity like radiation shielding, seismic concerns, or compliance with stringent environmental laws. Requirements Minimum Qualifications and Experience : 6+ Years of Structural Engineering Experience :

At least six years of hands-on experience in the

analysis and design

of structures across multiple material types (concrete, steel, masonry, wood-frame), particularly within the

Power Industry . This experience should include a solid track record of designing structures for power plants, nuclear facilities, or related infrastructure, where safety, durability, and compliance with industry codes are paramount.

MS in Structural Engineering (Preferred) :

A

Master's degree

in Structural Engineering provides a deeper understanding of advanced structural analysis, materials science, and specialized techniques. While not always mandatory, it could give candidates an edge in terms of technical expertise.

Professional Engineering License (SE) Required :

A

Structural Engineer (SE) license

is essential to verify that you have met the standards for professional practice in structural engineering. This certification is critical for work in specialized and safety-critical environments like the power industry, where structural integrity is paramount.

Proficiency in Technical Writing and Reporting :

Strong skills in writing and editing

project specifications ,

technical reports ,

field reports ,

project correspondence , and

proposals . You'll need to be able to document complex findings clearly and concisely, whether it's for internal project records, client communication, or regulatory bodies.

Strong Communication Skills :

Oral and written communication

will be central to interacting with clients, contractors, team members, and stakeholders. You'll need to explain complex structural issues and technical solutions in a clear, understandable manner. This could involve leading meetings, making presentations, or negotiating with vendors and other stakeholders.

Proven Ability to Manage Projects :

Experience managing

project deadlines

and

budgets

is essential. Structural engineers often juggle multiple tasks at once, so being able to stay organized and ensure work is done on time and within budget is critical to success. This includes tracking the progress of designs, coordinating site investigations, overseeing construction phases, and troubleshooting issues as they arise.

Team Collaboration :

Structural engineers must often work with

multidisciplinary teams -including other engineers, contractors, architects, and clients. The ability to collaborate and share insights is essential for successful project outcomes. Being a team player also involves being adaptable and open to feedback, which is key in fast-paced or complex environments like power plants.

Proficiency with Structural Analysis Software :

Familiarity with industry-standard

structural analysis software

like

ETABS ,

SAP2000 ,

RISA ,

RAM , and

SAFE

is a must. These tools allow engineers to simulate real-world conditions and ensure that structures meet safety and performance standards under different load scenarios. Being comfortable with these tools ensures that your designs are efficient, accurate, and optimized for real-world applications.

Ability to Travel to Remote Job Sites :

The role requires the ability to

travel

to

remote job sites , including those that might not be easily accessible by public transportation. This could involve working at power plants, nuclear facilities, or other infrastructure sites, sometimes in difficult or hazardous locations. Must be able to work in the USA without any sponsorship at any time