Fuel Cycle Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Retirement plan

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Fuel Cycle Nuclear Engineer to advance storage and transportation solutions for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive materials. You will work in the NMPTSA group within the Integrated Fuel Cycle Section, contributing to design, analysis, and documentation of waste-management systems.

The role emphasizes independent problem solving, research of analytical methods, and collaboration with project teams across the lab, using CAD/FEA tools and

Qualifications

• PhD with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, or MS with 7 years of relevant experience, or BS with at least 8 years of relevant experience in Nuclear Engineering or a related field.
• Experience performing nuclear, mechanical, thermal, or structural analysis for nuclear and mechanical systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Independently solve complex technical problems in spent fuel waste management projects.
• Research and develop analytical methods for storage, transportation, and disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.
• Coordinate documentation, design processes, and mechanical analysis of waste-management systems.
• Support NMPTSA with evaluation, design, and testing tasks in various projects.
• Write technical papers, reports, and proposals for internal and external release.

Skills

Nuclear engineering

Analytical methods

CAD

Finite Element Analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

MS in Nuclear Engineering

BS in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

SolidWorks

Job description

Requisition Id 16947

Overview

We are seeking a Fuel Cycle Nuclear Engineer to focus on applications related to storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive materials. This position resides in the Nuclear Materials Packaging, Transportation, and Systems Analysis (NMPTSA) group in the Integrated Fuel Cycle Section, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, and Fusion and Fission and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for independently solving a variety of complex technical problems in projects related to spent nuclear fuel waste management. You will have the opportunity to research and develop analytical methods and technologies supporting all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle including R&D activities related to storage, transportation, and disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. You will support the coordination of activities involved in the documentation, design process, and mechanical engineering analysis of mechanical systems related to waste management subject areas in facilities, equipment, and transportation. Finally, you will support the NMPTSA with various evaluation, design, and analysis tasks in testing, fuel cycle, security, and fusion engineering projects.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Generating, reviewing, and approving detailed mechanical drawings to facilitate fabrication and installation of equipment.
• Effectively interacting with various personnel, both within and outside of ORNL.
• Interfacing with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and test campaign personnel.
• Supporting large complex nuclear safety analyses focusing on integrated used fuel storage, transportation, safety and security applications.
• Representing work performed by the group for internal and external review, providing presentations to sponsors and the general public as necessary.
• Writing technical papers, journal articles, reports, and proposals for internal and external release.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, or an MS degree with at 7 years of relevant experience, or a B.S., degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience in Nuclear Engineering or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ability to support multidisciplinary projects that require a detailed understanding of nuclear systems, nuclear fuel cycle process, security, and design.
• A detailed working knowledge in some combination of the following skillset:
  • Experience performing nuclear, mechanical, thermal, or structural analysis for nuclear and mechanical systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in nuclear power plant core design or nuclear operations.
  • Knowledge of regulatory testing for transportation and storage packages that contain radioactive materials.
  • Knowledge in radiation transport, shielding analysis, criticality analysis for practical nuclear applications.
  • Proficient with CAD and finite element analysis codes such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, and/or SolidWorks and experience simulating static linear, thermal, or nuclear analysis.
  • Ability to interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, technical journals and papers, and other related material.
  • Familiarity with radioactive material packaging, testing regulations, 10 CFR, and 49 CFR regulations.
• Experience providing technical direction and guidance.
• The successful candidate will ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• The ability to work with minimal supervision and ability to provide input and influence project direction through interaction with project team leadership.

Special Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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

• 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

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

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.