Computational Nuclear Engineer

Socket.dev; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

Competitive salary

Job summary

Thea Energy is seeking a Computational Nuclear Engineer to advance neutronics and multiphysics simulations for stellarator fusion systems. You’ll work with minimal supervision on cutting-edge research to ensure safety and performance of the reactor designs.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in a related field with substantial experience in Monte Carlo transport codes, Python, C++, and multiphysics coupling. Collaboration across disciplines is essential in our startup environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering or Computational Physics with 2+ years of experience, or a Master’s with 4+ years.
• Strong knowledge of Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent).
• Proficiency in Python and C++.
• Experience with multiphysics coupling frameworks (MOOSE, Cardinal, NekRS).
• Familiarity with HPC and parallel programming (MPI/OpenMP).

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity neutronics and multiphysics simulations in 3D stellarator geometries.
• Simulate fusion blanket performance, TBR, energy deposition, activation, and shielding.
• Perform multiphysics coupling to refine reactor designs.
• Conduct dose rate calculations and optimize shielding for safety and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications from simulation results.

Skills

Python

C++

Monte Carlo methods

Team collaboration

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering/Computational Physics

Master's degree in related field

Tools

OpenMC

MCNP

Serpent

MOOSE/Cardinal/NekRS

Git/GitHub/CI

NJOY

Job description

About Thea Energy:

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Computational Nuclear Engineer to join our team, focusing on neutronics and multiphysics simulations for stellarator fusion systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in computational transport methods, with a particular emphasis on multiphysics reactor design, dose rate calculations, and radiation shielding optimization. You will work with minimal supervision, contributing to cutting-edge research and development to ensure the safety and performance of Thea Energy's stellarator systems.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Develop and implement advanced workflows for high-fidelity neutronics and related multiphysics simulations in complex 3D stellarator geometries.
• Conduct simulations of fusion blanket performance, including tritium breeding ratios (TBR), energy deposition, material activation, radiation shielding, and more.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to perform multiphysics coupling (e.g., neutronics to thermal-hydraulics or structural analysis) to refine reactor designs.
• Perform dose rate calculations and design optimized shielding solutions for personnel and sensitive equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Computational Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field with 2+ years of experience; or a Master's degree in a relevant field with 4+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (e.g., OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing, specifically Python and C++.
• Proficiency in modern scientific software development best-practices (e.g. git, GitHub, CI)
• Experience in multiphysics coupling frameworks (e.g., MOOSE, Cardinal, NekRS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with nuclear data processing and libraries (e.g., NJOY). Experience with deterministic neutron transport solvers (e.g., Atilla, OpenSN)
• Familiarity with High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments and parallel programming (MPI/OpenMP).
• Background in applying machine learning techniques to optimize nuclear simulation results or data handling.
• Understanding of fusion-specific nuclear challenges, such as first-wall material damage and tritium fuel cycle management.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision in a startup environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.
• Persistent optimism and a willingness to take on tough challenges.
• Excited to think creatively about solutions to difficult problems and not relying solely on what has been done before.

Company Benefits:

• Salary range: $120,000-$180,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

Diversity and Inclusion:

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran's status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.