Lead Mechanical/Nuclear Systems Engineer
CSMC
Software Engineering
Waterloo, ON, Canada
About the Role
CSMC is developing a microreactor for strategic and remote applications. We are hiring a Lead Mechanical and Nuclear Systems Engineer to take ownership of the mechanical and pressure boundary design for core reactor subsystems. This includes the Reactor Pressure Vessel, the primary pressurized loop, and the emergency cooling systems.
This is a technical leadership role. It is not a people management position, although the successful candidate may eventually supervise a small group as the program grows. The focus is on strong engineering judgment, disciplined design work, and the ability to guide mechanical and nuclear systems development from early concept through detailed design.
Key Responsibilities
Reactor Pressure Vessel and Primary Loop Design
• Lead the mechanical design of the Reactor Pressure Vessel using analysis and simulation results from the nuclear science team
• Define interfaces for instrumentation and control, penetrations, nozzles, and structural integration
• Own the design of the primary pressurized loop including piping, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and other pressure boundary components
• Lead the design of emergency cooling systems including passive and active heat removal pathways
Pressure Boundary Engineering and Code Compliance
• Develop designs that comply with the following codes and standards
• ASME Section III Class 1, 2, and 3
• ASME Section VIII
• CSA N285
• CSA N286 and N299
• Perform or oversee stress analysis, thermal hydraulic integration, materials selection, and fabrication considerations
Systems Integration and Technical Leadership
• Serve as the technical lead for mechanical and nuclear systems across the microreactor program
• Work closely with neutronics, thermal hydraulics, instrumentation and control, and safety engineering teams
• Translate simulation results into mechanical design requirements
• Lead design reviews, hazard analyses, and configuration control for mechanical systems
Design Documentation and Engineering Governance
• Produce engineering drawings, specifications, design reports, and code compliance documentation
• Support early licensing documentation including design descriptions and safety basis inputs
• Help establish early engineering processes, standards, and design control practices
Prototyping, Testing, and Vendor Engagement
• Support fabrication planning, prototyping, and supplier qualification for pressure boundary components
• Work with vendors on manufacturability, materials, inspection methods, and quality requirements
Required Qualifications
Technical Background
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field
• Seven to fifteen years of experience in mechanical or nuclear systems design for pressure boundary components
• Experience with pressure vessel design, piping and loop systems, heat transfer components, high pressure and high temperature systems, and safety critical mechanical systems
Code and Standards Expertise
• Hands on experience with ASME Section III, ASME Section VIII, CSA N285, and CSA N286 and N299
• Experience preparing code compliant design documentation and calculations
Engineering Leadership
• Proven ability to act as a technical lead on complex mechanical or nuclear systems
• Experience leading design reviews and guiding junior engineers
Preferred Experience
• Experience with microreactors, small modular reactors, or advanced reactor concepts
• Experience with thermal hydraulic analysis tools such as RELAP5, TRACE, or MOOSE based codes
• Familiarity with defence sector engineering environments
• Naval nuclear design experience
• Experience with emergency cooling systems, passive safety systems, or high reliability mechanical systems
Why Join CSMC
• Contribute to a mission driven microreactor program with national importance
• Work on first of kind systems with a multidisciplinary engineering team
• Shape the mechanical architecture of a next generation reactor from the earliest stages
• Support a program with real deployment pathways in remote, defence, and strategic environments
• Join an organization that values disciplined engineering, technical excellence, and practical innovation
Employment Eligibility
CSMC works with highly sensitive nuclear, defence, and aerospace‑related technologies. As a result, all CSMC positions require eligibility for federal security screening and export‑control compliance. These requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Requirements (BFORs) under applicable human‑rights legislation.
To be eligible for employment at CSMC, candidates must meet ALL of the following:
1. Legal Authorization to Work in Canada
- Legally authorized to work in Canada
- Able to maintain valid work authorization throughout employment
2. Government of Canada Security Screening
- Able to obtain and maintain Reliability Status or higher
- Able to provide 5+ years of continuous, verifiable background history
- Willing to undergo identity, employment, education, and criminal checks
3. Foreign Influence & Foreign Affiliation Risk Assessment (FIRA)
Candidates must be eligible to undergo a FIRA, which may include review of:
- Foreign citizenship(s)
- Recent foreign residence
- Immediate family ties abroad
- Foreign financial, business, or government affiliations
4. Controlled Goods & Export‑Control Eligibility
- Eligible to access Controlled Goods
- Eligible to access export‑controlled technical data
- Willing to undergo additional screening if required
5. On‑Site Requirement
- Able to work on‑site in Waterloo, Ontario, as required for access to secure and controlled workspaces
These requirements are regulatory in nature and ensure compliance with federal law and the secure handling of sensitive technologies.