Structural Engineer (Power Generation)

Job Title: Structural Engineer (Nuclear Power) - E2/E3Job Description

This role focuses on structural design and analysis for nuclear power plant projects, including steel and concrete structures, equipment and piping supports, foundations, and lifting systems. You will perform seismic and other load combination analyses in accordance with plant criteria and relevant design codes, support nuclear plant modifications, and contribute to safe, reliable, zero-emission energy solutions. This is a long-term contract opportunity with flexible, fully remote work and exposure to complex, high-impact projects in the nuclear energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis, including static and response spectra seismic analyses and other load combinations in accordance with plant criteria and nuclear industry standards.
• Design and analyze equipment and piping supports, ensuring compliance with ASME Section III and B31.1 design requirements where applicable.
• Develop and evaluate building structural frames and foundations for steel and concrete structures in nuclear power plant environments.
• Conduct piping and pipe support analyses in line with relevant codes and standards, ensuring structural integrity and safety.
• Design lifting assemblies, rigging plans, and crane configurations used for handling heavy components and equipment in nuclear facilities.
• Apply AISC steel and ACI concrete design codes, as well as ASCE standards, to structural designs and analyses for nuclear plant projects.
• Perform component stress analysis using tools such as GTSTRUDL or ANSYS, and document findings in clear engineering reports.
• Conduct plant impact reviews and evaluations to assess the structural implications of modifications and new installations.
• Assess existing structures and develop retrofit designs to address deficiencies, extend service life, and improve safety and performance.
• Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including calculations, design reports, drawings, and specifications, in accordance with project and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical input on structural engineering issues for nuclear plant modifications and upgrades.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver comprehensive design and analysis solutions for nuclear power projects.
• Communicate effectively with project stakeholders, presenting technical information clearly and supporting decision-making with sound engineering judgment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and/or Structural Engineering from a U.S.-accredited college.
• 4-10 years of experience as a structural engineer focused on design and analysis for nuclear power plants, with project work in steel and/or concrete structures.
• Demonstrated experience with static structural analyses and structural dynamics in industrial or power generation environments.
• Hands-on experience with seismic analysis and load combinations for critical structures.
• Strong working knowledge of design codes and standards, including AISC steel design, ACI concrete design, and ASCE structural standards.
• Experience performing structural design and analysis for nuclear plant modifications.
• Proficiency in structural analysis and design tools, including component stress analysis using GTSTRUDL or ANSYS.
• Ability to use engineering calculation tools, preferably including MathCAD, for detailed structural analyses.
• Strong structural engineering fundamentals, including understanding of load paths, stability, and material behavior for steel and concrete.
• Proven ability to prepare clear, accurate engineering reports, calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex technical concepts to engineering teams and project stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on nuclear power plant projects involving steel structures (ideal) and concrete structures (secondary).
• Background in nuclear plant modifications and familiarity with nuclear industry practices and standards.
• Experience with structural engineering design review processes for complex industrial or energy projects.
• Familiarity with tools and methodologies used in structural analysis and engineering design, including MATLAB or similar analytical software.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with distributed project teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in the nuclear energy sector.
• Interest in long-term contract opportunities with potential for extended engagement on multiple projects.

Work Environment

This position offers a fully remote work arrangement, with reporting ties to offices located in Naperville, Illinois, or Atlanta, Georgia. Candidates may reside anywhere within the country while working on projects aligned to Central Time hours. Typical working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, all in Central Time. The role involves collaborating with a design engineering division that provides comprehensive engineering, design, analysis, and consulting services for the energy sector, including traditional nuclear and emerging nuclear technologies. The environment emphasizes challenging technical work, opportunities for career growth, and flexible working conditions. Contract arrangements may include accrued vacation time and paid holidays, with potential for additional paid time off depending on contract duration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of St. Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $68.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.