Belcan · 10 hours ago
Mechanical Engineer – Structural Analyst
Alameda, CA
Contract
Onsite
Senior Level
$50/hr - $65/hr
5+ years expBelcan is seeking a hands-on structural integrity engineer to support first-of-a-kind advanced reactor designs. This role focuses on performing thermo-mechanical analysis and FEA of reactor structures to demonstrate compliance with ASME Section III.
Enterprise SoftwareIndustrial EngineeringProject ManagementSoftwareTechnical Support
Responsibilities
Conduct structural integrity evaluations of KP-FHR reactor components (vessels, core supports, piping, graphite and metallic structures)
Perform high-temperature thermo-mechanical analyses (elastic-plastic, creep, creep-fatigue, ratcheting, thermal transients) using ANSYS, ABAQUS, or similar FEA tools
Evaluate load combinations (pressure, temperature, seismic, transients, test conditions) and define design-basis load cases
Apply first-principles reasoning and simplified models to scope new analyses and independently check complex FEA results
Support design-by-analysis (DBA) per ASME Section III, including fatigue, creep-fatigue, buckling, and other high-temperature acceptance checks
Assess flawed or damaged components using fracture mechanics and fitness-for-service approaches
Collaborate with materials and licensing teams to incorporate high-temperature properties, environmental effects, and degradation mechanisms
Develop and maintain high-quality calculation packages and design reports
Provide mentorship to early-career engineers and refine internal structural integrity methodologies
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering
5+ years of experience in mechanical/structural design and FEA for safety-critical systems (nuclear, aerospace, power, petrochemical)
Experience with pressure-retaining components and ASME BPVC compliance, preferably Section III, Division 5 / HBB
Proficiency in FEA of thermo-mechanical problems (linear/nonlinear, contact, inelasticity, creep/viscoplasticity, buckling)
Strong knowledge of solid mechanics, fatigue/creep-fatigue, fracture mechanics, stability, high-temperature failure modes
Skilled in preparing formal calculation packages and design documentation for internal review or regulatory submittals
First-principles mindset, simplifying complex systems into tractable models
Strong analytical judgment and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, focus on solid mechanics or high-temperature design
Familiarity with quality and configuration management (NQA-1, ISO 9001)
Scripting/numerical tools (Python, MATLAB)
PE license or eligibility
Experience interfacing with regulators
Company
Belcan
Belcan is a engineering services company offering design, manufacturing, and IT solutions for aerospace, defense, automotive, and more.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Belcan has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (3)
2023 (1)
2022 (4)
2021 (7)
2020 (16)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2024-06-10Acquired
Leadership Team
Dave Brandel
President & COO, Engineering Solutions
David Moya
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Recent News
2025-10-31
2025-09-30
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