Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

Naval Nuclear Laboratory (FMP); West Mifflin (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 64,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision & voluntary

Disability, life & accident insurance

401(k) and CAP

Time off programs

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking an entry-level nuclear engineer to contribute to next generation reactor core design within the Future Development Programs (FDP) department.

You will apply nuclear engineering education to evaluate neutronic behavior, thermal performance, shielding, and overall reactor plant performance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and capability for future naval reactors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics.
• GPA 3.2 or higher preferred.
• Experience in engineering analysis and coding (MATLAB or Python).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate neutronic behavior and thermal performance of reactor concepts.
• Assess shielding design and overall primary plant performance.
• Collaborate with nuclear design, thermal, shielding, and reactor plant teams.
• Develop and apply analysis models to support core design decisions.

Skills

Neutronics

Thermal design

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Finite element analysis

MATLAB

Python

Clear communication

Education

Bachelors in Nuclear Eng or Physics

Masters in Nuclear Eng or Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

Job Description

The Future Development Programs (FDP) department at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a highly motivated entry-level nuclear engineer to contribute to next generation reactor core design. FDP is currently leading the conceptual development of a new reactor core for the Navy's fast attack submarine fleet. Additional focus areas include defining future design spaces, evaluating innovative technologies, and assessing cost-performance trade-offs for advanced submarine propulsion concepts. In this role, you will apply your nuclear engineering education to evaluate neutronic behavior, thermal performance, shielding design, or overall primary plant performance. You will help assess how new design concepts can improve the performance, safety, and capability of future naval reactors. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong desire to develop a broad understanding of how multiple engineering disciplines integrate into reactor core design. FDP is currently in the conceptual core design phase, where close collaboration between nuclear design, thermal analysis, shielding, and reactor performance groups is essential. This phase will transition into detailed core and plant design, requiring development of sophisticated analysis models and execution of comprehensive evaluations to ensure maximum capability while ensuring the reactor is safe for deployment. This position requires strong communication skills and frequent interaction with multidisciplinary partners, including core manufacturing groups, materials performance groups, and reactor plant design organizations. Interested applicants must excel at working in a highly collaborative environment.

Required Combination Of Knowledge And Skill

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Nuclear Engineering or Physics; or
• Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Nuclear Engineering or Physics.

Preferred Skills

• Cumulative GPA 3.2 or higher
• Coursework in thermal and nuclear design and analysis including neutronics, radiation transport, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or finite element analysis
• Experience in engineering analysis, including the use of coding to post-process results in MATLAB or Python
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner

Compensation And Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
• Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
• Personal & Medical Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
• Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range

$63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually

Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.