Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,256 - 234,336; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation package

Paid time off

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer to join the Pyrochemical Science department at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). The role involves designing experiments for the nuclear fuel cycle, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing results.

The team operates a 4x10 schedule with Fridays off and is located on-site at INL's MFC facility. Ideal candidates will have ABET-accredited degrees in Chemical Engineering and experience with fluorination

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited chemical engineering degree with relevant experience.
• Experience with high-temperature fluorination and UF6 handling.
• Knowledge of uranium, plutonium, and fission product behavior under fluorination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to design experiments for nuclear fuel cycle applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering R&D activities related to pyrochemical reprocessing.
• Conduct fundamental and applied research.
• Collect and analyze data; develop new testing methods.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and heat/material balances.
• Present at conferences individually or with a team.
• Identify new research opportunities and assist in funding proposals.
• Monitor plant systems and evaluate performance; suggest maintenance.

Skills

Engineering research

Experiment design

Data analysis

Programming for controls

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years

ABET-accredited MS in Chemical Engineering with 2+ years

ABET-accredited PhD in Chemical Engineering with 2+ years

Nuclear chemical engineering experience

Tools

Fluorination equipment

Gas treatment systems

Job description

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer to work in our Pyrochemical Science department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) facility, with every Friday off. A Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer develops cutting-edge technologies for the management and recycling of used nuclear fuels at the MFC. This involves setting up and designing experiments relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle, collecting experimental data, analyzing data, and documenting and publishing experimental results.

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer to work in our Pyrochemical Science department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) facility, with every Friday off. A Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer develops cutting-edge technologies for the management and recycling of used nuclear fuels at the MFC. This involves setting up and designing experiments relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle, collecting experimental data, analyzing data, and documenting and publishing experimental results.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform engineering research and development activities associated with pyrochemical reprocessing.
• Conduct fundamental research and applied research
• Collect and analyze test results and develop new testing methods and analysis approaches.
• Assimilate and interpret experimental data.
• Present at conferences, either independently or a part of a research team.
• Identify new research opportunities, contribute to the direction of technical teams, respond to research opportunities, and assist in the generation of technical proposals and securing funding for research activities.
• Develop and implement process controls and tracking mechanisms using 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.

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 Master's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 2 years of relevant experience; or PhD 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 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 PhD in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in nuclear chemical engineering and hands‑on experience with high‑temperature fluorination of nuclear materials.
• Knowledge of the behavior of uranium, plutonium, and fission product elements under fluorination conditions.
• Familiarity with UF6 handling and purification.
• Demonstrated understanding of how different elements behave as volatile or non‑volatile fluorides, and how these properties can be exploited in a separation process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience with the design and operation of fluorination equipment, such as flame reactors, and associated gas treatment and purification systems.

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

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer to work on our Pyrochemical Science team. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our MFC facility with every 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.

About Us

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self‑contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1‑B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.