Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer

American Nuclear Society; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer to advance pyrochemical reprocessing technologies. You will design experiments, collect and analyze data, and document results in a collaborative team in the MFC facility on a 4x10 schedule with Fridays off.

The role demands strong communication skills, experience with high-temperature fluorination, and the ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree in Chemical Engineering or related field with required experience.
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Chemical Engineering or related field preferred.
• Experience in nuclear chemical engineering and high-temperature fluorination of nuclear materials.
• Knowledge of uranium, plutonium, and fission product behavior under fluorination conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (U.S. citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Perform R&D activities for pyrochemical reprocessing.
• Conduct fundamental and applied research and disseminate results.
• Collect, analyze, and validate test results; develop new testing methods.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and heat/material balances.
• Develop process controls and tracking using programming.
• Present research at conferences and contribute to proposals and funding.

Skills

Strong communication

U.S. citizenship

Education

ABET-accredited Chemical Engineering degree

Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Fluorination equipment design

Pyrochemical processing equipment

Heat/material balances

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.

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.
  

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.
  

Education and Experience

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 ability to obtain and maintain a "Q" Department of Energy 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 the design and operation of fluorination equipment, such as flame reactors, and associated gas treatment and purification systems.