Sean R. - Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

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Finleyville, United States

Experience

Mar 2023 - Oct 2025

2 years 8 months

Kennewick, United States

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Hi Tech Solutions, LLC

Served as lead engineer responsible for the design, modeling, and implementation of complex mechanical systems supporting nuclear refueling and underwater maintenance activities.
Oversaw all project phases from concept through prototype testing and field deployment.
Delivered multiple first-of-a-kind engineered systems including:
An Underwater Filter Crusher that remotely compacts 30" underwater waste filters into 8.5" cans using hydraulic and pneumatic actuation, reducing waste volume by ~70% and optimizing underwater storage capacity.
A full-scale underwater Core Barrel Mockup Assembly for testing D&D tooling used to cut and remove core barrel instrumentation guide columns, enabling safer and faster equipment qualification reducing testing costs by 30%.
An articulating arm assembly that allows technicians to remotely engage the fuel pool Mult-Tool — improving ergonomics, reducing manual handling, and increasing refueling task throughput.
A lightweight, pneumatically powered double gripper assembly with dual independent cylinders providing redundant grip and reliable handling of In-Core Instruments (ICIs) that reduced processing time by 40%.
A drywell jack extension that enables precise flange control and alignment through manual thread adjustment and high-force jacking, requiring 50% less personnel for use.
Developed and executed project plans balancing manufacturability, reliability, and safety.
Mentored junior engineers and led design reviews to maintain engineering quality standards.

Oct 2020 - Mar 2023

2 years 6 months

West Mifflin, United States

Manager, Materials Evaluation Laboratory Engineering

Fluor Marine Propulsion (Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory)

Managed a 10–13 person mechanical and design engineering team delivering complex projects supporting nuclear facility operations.
Directed hot-cell source term removal process achieving 10× cost savings.
Approved 40+ detailed design documents per quarter.
Oversaw the implementation of mechanical designs by providing mechanical design guidance, mentoring junior mechanical designers, and approving mechanical drawings.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create comprehensive short and long-term plans for prioritizing technical and resource challenges.
Streamlined technical procedure writing, resulting in an average 10 days saved per procedure.
Consulted on technical product design trade-offs and design reviews, and assisted with mechanical engineering tasks to support the team.

Apr 2018 - Oct 2020

2 years 7 months

West Mifflin, United States

Manager, Integration & Contract Engineering

Fluor Marine Propulsion (Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory)

Provided leadership and guidance to a team of Technical Project Analysts, Technical Project Managers, Mechanical Engineers, and Multi-Disciplinary Engineers.
Led a multimillion-dollar D&D subcontract to control costs and validate deliverables.
Oversaw the ISOCS program, achieving $600K in savings.
Implemented a new subcontractor model resulting in a 50% productivity gain and 3× team growth.
Introduced automated tracking and self-assessment programs, improving subcontractor performance by 40%.

Oct 2009 - Apr 2018

8 years 7 months

West Mifflin, United States

Mechanical Design Engineer – Associate to Advanced

Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation (Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory)

Designed and issued over 75 mechanical assemblies and fabrication packages exceeding $1M for nuclear test programs.
Developed a patent-pending Telemanipulator repair fixture enabling remote maintenance, reducing manpower and downtime.
Created 3D CAD models and detailed drawings per ASME Y14.100 standards.
Led design improvements focused on reliability and safety.