Mechanical Designer
BWXT· Defense & Space· Oct 5, 2026 · 22d ago
Oak Ridge, TN, US
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth, collaboration, and technical excellence. At our Oak Ridge, Tennessee Enrichment Operations site, you will join teams working at the forefront of advanced nuclear manufacturing, precision engineering, and mission‑critical national security programs. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you’ll find opportunities to challenge yourself, partner with seasoned experts, and contribute to innovation shaping the future of nuclear technology. Our work requires a wide range of skills, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and career stages who share a passion for meaningful impact and technical advancement.
Position Overview
As our Mechanical Designer, you will support mechanical and manufacturing engineers by converting concepts and hardware into precise CAD models, assemblies, and technical documentation. You will develop test stand designs, centrifuge hardware documentation, and tooling/fixture models using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink in a high‑security DOE/NNSA environment.
Location
On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Q Clearance Required)
Your Day to Day as a Mechanical Designer
• Create and revise 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Translate engineering concepts into manufacturable designs and documentation.
• Apply GD\&T and drafting standards to ensure clarity and manufacturability.
• Support mechanical hardware design including rotating systems, frames, enclosures, and tooling.
• Manage CAD data, revisions, and document control via PDMLink.
• Conduct self-checks and peer reviews to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare BOMs, assembly drawings, exploded views, and fabrication packages.
• Support change management workflows including ECNs and controlled releases.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams and verify as-built conditions.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional collaboration.
• Help develop CAD standards, templates, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with quality and configuration control requirements.
Required Qualifications
• Associate degree or technical certification in CAD, Mechanical Design, or Drafting.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design or drafting experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Experience with PDMLink or similar PLM systems.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and models.
• Understanding of engineering change workflows.
• Ability to perform field verification and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, and assemblies.
• Experience with rotating machinery or test stands.
• Familiarity with GD\&T, tolerance analysis, and dimensional control.
• Experience supporting fabrication and assembly teams.
• Knowledge of SAP/ECTR, Minitab, or similar tools.
• Experience mentoring junior designers.
• Six Sigma or familiarity with PFMEA and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (as applicable).
• Professional development and training support.
• Inclusive work culture with cross-generational collaboration.
• Opportunity to support mission-critical national programs.
• Continuous CAD and engineering development opportunities.
Pay: $103,000
The starting hourly rate for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) is expected to be $103,000 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid (“Agreement”). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.
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