Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst to develop and apply advanced simulation software for complex aerodynamic systems in the nonproliferation space.

The role emphasizes collaboration with PIs, project management, and a strong focus on model validation, verification, and reporting across lifecycle stages in a demanding R&D environment.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field, and a minimum of two years of related experience.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal, presentation, and writing skills.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation software to model complex system flows for nuclear nonproliferation projects.
• Act as a heavy end user of developed tools and participate in model validation.
• Report results and brief findings throughout project lifecycles.

Skills

CFD analysis

C++

Python

MATLAB

HPC

multiphysics

Mesh generation

unsteady flows

steady flows

surrogate models

Education

MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

C++

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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The Advanced Engineering Technologies (AET) Group is seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyst specializing in the use and development of computational simulation software for complex aerodynamic systems in the support of the nonproliferation mission space. This position will involve the creation and use of custom developed and off-the-shelf computational approaches in a research and development atmosphere.

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

• You will, in collaboration with principal investigators and project management at ORNL, participate in the development of simulation software to model complex system flows in processes relevant to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space.
• You will be expected to be a heavy end user of the tools generated, participate in model validation activities, identify workflow improvements, and communicate issues to the development team for tool
• Analysis of ad hoc problem sets relevant to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space is expected.
• Performing well as part of a larger project team and being capable of developing simulation software in a collaborative development environment.
• In addition to these responsibilities, you will be a contributor to R&D projects and will be expected to report on and brief results throughout the lifecycle of the various projects assigned to them.
• In this position effectively interacting with various ORNL staff as well as internal and external sponsors is required.
• If selected, you will be expected to work in a team environment with co-workers and management as well as independently; to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports, papers and presentations; and to participate in the development of research proposals.
• You will interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and test campaign personnel.

Basic Qualifications:

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field, and a minimum of two years of related experience.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal, presentation, and writing skills are
• The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in computational fluid dynamics analysis, with an emphasis on:
  • Mesh generation
  • Steady and unsteady flows
  • Sensitivity studies
  • Validation activities
• Expertise in computational modeling, including numerical analysis, finite element methods, and software engineering
• Experience in software development in the C++ and Python languages
• The ability to work flexible hours and travel
• Experience in an R&D and/or testing environment
• Experience executing in a high-performance computing environment
• Use of AI/ML techniques to develop surrogate models and support scientific discovery
• Experience in multiphysics modeling
• Experience in parallel programming on large-scale computational clusters
• Expertise in Matlab programming
• Active TS/SCI Clearance is preferred

Special Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.
• This position is a full-time staff position.

Remarks:

AET resides within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The NND is a division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate. NND staff contributes world class research, technology development, risk assessment, and systems analysis related to nonproliferation and counterproliferation. The division activities play a vital role in implementation of national policy issues that strive to ensure global nuclear security. One of the major focus areas of the AET group is the development of advanced approaches to operation, characterization, and analysis of nuclear fuel cycle processes. The group specializes in the application of engineering principles supporting the characterization of processes and related materials. The AET group collaborates and works with staff from other groups within NND and ORNL to assure the full expertise of fuel cycle processes are applied to meet sponsor needs.

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
• 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.