Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer (Associate)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN, seeks an Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer (Associate) to lead and perform modeling, analysis, and validation of lattice physics, reactor cores, spent fuel, and fuel-cycle concepts using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and Cyclus.

The role emphasizes collaboration with sponsors and researchers, publication of results, and adherence to ORNL's safety, integrity, and mission values while delivering rigorous, state-of-the-art

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering required.
• Experience with SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, or MOOSE.
• Experience writing and publishing technical reports.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Fortran, Python, Git, and CMake.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus.
• Interact across organization structures and represent ORNL to sponsors and the professional community.
• Communicate work through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.

Skills

Nuclear engineering

Reactor analysis

Technical writing

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

SCALE

VERA

MCNP

Serpent

OpenMC

MOOSE

Job description

Requisition Id17153

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and conduct the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.

The Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Cycle Analysis Group (RNFCA) Group is seeking candidates to apply for the Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer (Associate) role. This role is responsible for working with state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities for lattice physics, reactor core, spent fuel, and fuel cycle applications through leadership in the development and analysis of SCALE and/or the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) simulations and in collaboration with industry, national laboratories and university researchers. ORNL has world-leading nuclear, radiological and scientific facilities, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and this role would support the neutronics and thermal-hydraulics analysis.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using world-class modeling and simulation codes (SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE) to support the design and development of next generation nuclear reactors.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus to evaluate advanced fuel cycle strategies to support the design and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.

• Interact effectively across organization structures with staff scientists and engineers and be an effective representative of ORNL and their research to sponsors and the professional community.
• Conduct work on scope and on budget.

• Communicate effectively the work performed through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Serve as a role model for integrity and safety in the conduct of research, mentoring of early career staff, and engagement with scientific and professional societies
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of nuclear reactor analysis R&D is required as demonstrated through research and associated publications.
• Experience using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and/or MOOSE and familiarity with reactor systems and concepts.
• Programming/scripting experience including the use of one or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran, Git, and CMake an asset.

• Demonstrated writing and communication skills and ability to publish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Multiphysics software and simulations an asset.
• Previous experience with the development and implement numerical algorithms in advanced modeling and simulation software related to reactor physics analysis an asset

• Knowledge of software engineering best practices, including continuous integration, requirements management, and object-oriented programming concepts and design patterns an asset.

• Experience working within a rigorous quality assurance program an asset.

• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Special Requirements:

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.