Nuclear Project Engineer

About the Job

The Nuclear Project Engineer will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high‑complexity heavy lift operations for Barnhart clients primarily within the nuclear energy sector. This role requires deep technical expertise in heavy lift engineering utilizing alternative lifting/handling equipment, project management skills, and a strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in a highly controlled environment. The position involves collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, operations, contractors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure the safe and efficient execution of the project.

Description

• Develop and oversee detailed heavy lift/component replacement plans, including rigging, equipment selection, load path analysis, and contingency planning.
• Conduct structural analysis and review plant conditions to ensure lift feasibility and compliance with nuclear safety requirements.
• Prepare technical specifications, calculations, and documentation for approval by engineering and regulatory authorities.
• Assist in coordinating project tasks, schedules, and resources, ensuring timely completion of crane and rigging operations.
• Track and report on project milestones, timelines, and costs, identifying any potential delays or budget issues.
• Support the development and management of project schedules to ensure project deadlines are met.
• Implement strict adherence to nuclear safety standards, ASME B30 series, OSHA, AISC, ANSI, and project specific design parameters.
• Perform risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with heavy lift operations.
• Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and outage planning teams to integrate heavy lift activities into the broader project schedule.
• Liaise with clients and project managers to discuss project requirements, progress, and technical solutions.
• Prepare and maintain detailed project documentation, including lift plans, inspection reports, and change orders.
• Assist in maintaining daily logs of activities, equipment use, and personnel on‑site for record‑keeping and project tracking.
• Assist in preparing progress reports for senior engineers and project managers, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and solutions.
• Participate in post‑job reviews to evaluate performance, identify lessons learned, and recommend improvements for future projects.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) license with active licensure in the province of Ontario required.
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience in heavy lift operations utilizing specialized alternative load handling equipment, with at least 5 years in the nuclear power sector.
• Must possess the ability to perform detailed load calculations and structural analyses to ensure safe lifting operations. This requires an in‑depth understanding of various cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, and their specific applications. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry‑specific tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, Lift Planner, or similar programs is essential. Additionally, strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including OSHA, AISC, ASME, ANSI, and others specific to lifting and rigging, is necessary to maintain compliance and uphold industry best practices.
• Familiarity with engineering software (i.e. RISA‑3D, Ansys, Mathcad, MS Excel), scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skilled in diagnosing and resolving technical and logistical issues in crane and rigging operations, with strong analytical abilities for engineering calculations, lift plan optimization, and meticulous attention to detail in documentation and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with nuclear plant systems, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience performing and post processing 3D laser scans, as well as integrating the scans into the CAD model for obstruction/clearance validation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients, site managers, and team members; adept at cross‑functional collaboration with departments like project management and operations; proficient in preparing and presenting project reports, technical documentation, and lift plans.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed. Ability to work in a variety of environments, including outdoor and construction sites, and conduct on‑site inspections, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, and climbing ladders or scaffolding.
• Ability to obtain plant access at Nuclear and Government sites.

PURPOSE

Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER

Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy‑rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK

Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry’s strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across Canada and the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE

Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the “One TEAM.” We are looking for smart, hard‑working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran