Lead Engineer Reactor Project Engineering

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,360 - 281,196; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Lead Engineer in the Reactor Project Engineering department. You will guide advanced reactor projects through testing and operation within our reactor experiment facilities at the Materials and Fuels Complex.

The role emphasizes collaboration with scientists and engineers to enable world‑leading research and safe operations. The position offers a 4×10 schedule, with Fridays off, and requires leading design reviews, developing SOWs and specifications, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology or related field.
• Master’s degree with additional years of experience is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (US citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts of operation for new capabilities and systems.
• Develop requirements documents for new capabilities and systems.
• Evaluate, design, maintain, modify, install, and test reactor experiment and test facility systems.
• Lead a multi-discipline team of engineers and scientists to complete designs and design reviews.
• Monitor operations to ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Design reviews

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s in engineering

Master’s preferred

Job description

Description

As a Lead Engineer in the Reactor Project Engineering department at Idaho National Laboratory, you’ll shape the future of national energy supply by guiding advance reactor projects to successful testing and operation in one of our reactor experiment facilities. Your work will directly shape cutting-edge experiments and infrastructure, driving innovations that secure America’s energy independence. You’ll leverage engineering expertise to enable world‑leading research and operation of first‑of‑a‑kind advance reactors. You’ll collaborate with world‑class scientists and engineers supporting advanced reactor experiments for the National Reactor Innovation Center and other internal and external projects. This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of nuclear facilities and reactor experiment test beds. In this role, you will collaborate with multiple organizations within INL and external reactor developer partners. Our team works a 4×10 schedule; every Friday is off.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop concepts of operation for new capabilities and systems.
• Develop requirements documents for new capabilities and systems.
• Evaluate, design, maintain, modify, install, and test reactor experiment and test facility systems.
• Lead a multi‑discipline team of engineers, scientists, and subject‑matter experts to complete designs and design reviews in support of advanced reactor experiments.
• Review engineering deliverables developed by external entities for adequacy.
• Provide oversight of fabrication and construction activities utilizing field experience to ensure structures, systems, and components meet requirements in the as‑installed state.
• Monitor reactor experiment operations to identify any practices that violate safety regulations or laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
• Develop statements of work, specifications, and other design documentation to support procurement, bidding, construction, and fabrication of structures, systems, and components.
• Develop and write procedures for the modification and/or operation of facilities, equipment, and processes.
• Examine accidents to obtain data for designing preventive measures.
• Direct operating or maintenance activities to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
• Determine the optimum configuration for experiments and perform analysis to demonstrate compliance with safety limits.
• Develop and maintain configuration management and the technical baseline of multiple systems and component groups.
• Develop and modify loop chemistry requirements and perform core load verification.
• Support facility operations, maintenance personnel, and project personnel to ensure systems and equipment meet operational and research needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by engineering manager.

Minimum Requirements

• Level 4: Bachelor’s in engineering or engineering technology or other related field and 9 years of experience. Master’s and 6 years of experience. PhD and 4 years of experience.
• Level 5: Master’s degree in nuclear engineering, material science, mechanical engineering, or related technical discipline with 8+ years’ experience or PhD and 6+ years’ experience.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Job Information

• The pay range for this position is Level 4 ($114,360 – $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 – $281,196). Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• 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 employment.
• Multi‑Level: This is a multi‑level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on the depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/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 and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.