Chemical Engineer

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology directorate seeks a Chemical Engineer to drive next-generation nuclear energy research. You’ll design and optimize chemical processes powering energy systems, national security, and advanced energy programs, with hands-on R&D and code-based process controls.

Join a team that pushes the boundaries of reactor technology, offering multi-level career tracks, a 9x80 schedule at the Idaho Falls campus, and opportunities to influence design,

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS with 5 years of relevant experience or advanced degree with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Level 3/Level 4: detailed ABET requirements with years of experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience supporting DoW programs and nuclear projects.

Responsibilities

• Engineer separation of liquids and gases and build systems generating electrical current.
• Create process flow diagrams and material balances as blueprints for systems.
• Run simulations and hazard analyses to set design and operating parameters.
• Monitor plant systems and performance; identify issues before they matter.
• Hands-on with system design, fabrication, and testing in cutting-edge R&D programs.
• Develop physics-based models to validate designs.
• Travel up to 30% to DoW installation locations.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Chemical Engineering

Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering (MS/PhD)

Tools

Process control software

Job description

Nuclear energy's next chapter is being written at Idaho National Laboratory — and we are looking for a Chemical Engineer who wants their fingerprints on it.

Join the Nuclear Science & Technology directorate and you'll design and optimize the chemical processes powering the future of nuclear energy, national security, and advanced energy systems. This isn't theoretical work shelved in a report — it's engineering that directly supports the Department of War (DoW), where your designs are stress-tested against real requirements and real standards, and your process controls run on code you write yourself.

What you'll actually be doing:

• Engineering the separation of liquid and gas components — and building the systems that generate electrical current through controlled chemical reactions
• Turning ideas into process flow diagrams and material balances that become the blueprint for real systems
• Running simulations and hazards analyses to pin down design and operating parameters before anything goes live
• Keeping a close eye on plant systems and performance, catching what matters before it becomes a problem
• Getting hands‑on with system design, fabrication, and testing on cutting‑edge R&D programs
• Building physics-based mathematical models that validate designs before they're built
• Running laboratory research to prove out entirely new principles — the kind of work that becomes tomorrow's standard practice
• Spotting the next big research question and pursuing it — including helping secure the funding to chase it

Why this role matters:

You won't just be maintaining existing systems. You'll be part of the team pushing nuclear science forward — solving problems at the intersection of energy innovation and national security, with the autonomy to identify new research directions and the technical team to help you pursue them.

If you want engineering work with this much reach — and this much responsibility — Idaho Falls is where it's happening.

Essential Job Functions:

• Enable the (Department of War) DoW nuclear energy programs for installation and operational energy.
• Document design to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
• Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
• Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are accomplished per design specifications.
• Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases or generating electrical currents using controlled chemical processes.
• Develop and implement process controls and tracking mechanisms through programming.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and heat/material balances.
• Establish process design and operating parameters through simulations, hazards analysis, and testing.
• Monitor and evaluate plant system conditions and operational performance, recommend maintenance standards, and identify vendor data and replacement parts.
• Ensure system design, fabrication, and testing for research and development programs.
• Develop physics-based mathematical models to support and verify design.
• Perform laboratory research studies to prove new principles and concepts.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable codes and standards.
• Identify new research opportunities, contribute to technical teams, respond to research opportunities, and assist in securing funding for research activities.
• May be required to travel to DoW installation locations, up to 30%.

Required:

• Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 5 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience supporting DoW programs.
• Direct experience supporting nuclear.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience with developing subroutines for process control/tracking software applications.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job‑related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

NS&T within Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Chemical Engineer to work on our Reactor Program Manager’s team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Research Education Campus in town in Idaho Falls every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is Level 3: ($95,256 - $195,288)/Level 4: ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.