Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer (Staff)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a PhD-level nuclear engineer to design, develop, and analyze reactor models using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC and MOOSE. You will also develop fuel cycle models to evaluate advanced strategies for next‑generation reactors.

You will interact with staff scientists, manage scope and budgets, publish results, and mentor early career staff. Emphasis on safety, integrity, and collaboration across teams in Oak Ridge, TN.

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering or closely related field; 2–5 years of post‑graduate experience.
• Knowledge of nuclear reactor analysis R&D as demonstrated through research/publications.
• Experience using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and/or MOOSE; familiarity with reactor systems/concepts.
• Programming/scripting in one or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran; Git and CMake are assets.
• Strong writing and communication skills with ability to publish.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE to support next‑gen reactor design.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus to evaluate advanced fuel cycle strategies.
• Collaborate across organization structures with staff scientists and engineers; represent ORNL with sponsors and the professional community.
• Conduct work on scope and budget; communicate work through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Mentor early career staff; engage with scientific societies; pursue funding proposals to DOE and other government agencies.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors with core values; promote equal opportunity and a respectful workplace.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Writing and publishing

Mentoring

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering

Tools

SCALE

VERA

MCNP

Serpent

OpenMC

MOOSE

C/C++

Python

Fortran

Git

CMake

Job description

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.

MajorDuties and 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
• Develop and submit funding proposals to DOE and other government agencies for new research efforts.
• 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.

BasicQualifications:

• PhD in nuclear engineering or closely related field and 2-5 years of post graduate experiece.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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
• 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.