Mechanical Engineer - Test Stands & Processes
BWXT· Defense & Space· Oct 5, 2026 · 23d ago
Oak Ridge, TN, US
In office
Full-time
Mid
$114K–$160K est.
3+ 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 Engineer for Test Stands & Processes, you will support engineering and manufacturing efforts associated with the BWXT portion of the DUECE centrifuge program. You will design, develop, and integrate mechanical test stands, process equipment, and mechanical systems used for assembly, testing, and verification of enrichment centrifuges. This role spans concept development through fabrication, installation, operation, and documentation within a DOE/NNSA high-security environment.
Location
On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Q Clearance Required)
Your Day to Day as a Mechanical Engineer – Test Stands & Processes
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design mechanical test stands and unique process equipment.
• Use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink to design and model mechanical systems, fixtures, and tooling.
• Develop functional and interface requirements for new designs.
• Analyze, test, and integrate mechanical components to meet system requirements.
• Evaluate designs for cost, performance, reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Create controlled engineering documentation including P\&IDs, hazard analyses, design packages, and test records.
• Conduct calculations including statics, dynamics, thermal, fluid, and strength analyses.
• Prepare BOMs, part specifications, and procurement packages.
• Lead fabrication, assembly, and integration of mechanical systems.
• Plan and execute component, subsystem, and system testing.
• Author statements of work, reports, and project updates.
• Support schedules, cost tracking, and compliance processes.
• Troubleshoot installation discrepancies and support commissioning activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-functional development.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of mechanical design, test stand development, or industrial equipment experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PDMLink.
• Knowledge of statics, dynamics, heat transfer, fluids, and strength analysis.
• Ability to use hand tools, metrology devices, and diagnostic instruments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with new product development or Stage-Gate processes.
• Experience in sensor design, industrial equipment, or thermal systems.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Experience with DFSS, DFM, requirements decomposition, or safety-driven design.
• Professional certifications (FE, EIT, PE).
• Experience with thermo-mechanical test systems and reliability equipment.
• Experience with CAD best practices, GD\&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with modal analysis, FEA, or dynamic testing.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (as applicable).
• Professional development and mentorship.
• Inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Mission-driven work that supports national security.
• Continuous technical learning opportunities.
Pay: $79,000 - $119,000
The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $79,000 and $119,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to 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 base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual 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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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Paid Time Off
Professional Development