Lead Nuclear Fuel Cycle Researcher (Nonproliferation)

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory seeks a Senior technical leader in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division to oversee planning and execution of hands-on work and advance fuel cycle capabilities, especially reprocessing.

The role emphasizes risk-aware deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, mentoring early-career staff, and developing strategic R&D for NNSA and other customers. Strong leadership and DOE Q clearance are required.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in chemical engineering or related field.
• Level 4: 9+ years in related field or MS with 6+ years; Level 5: 14+ years or MS with 8+ years.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in nuclear fuel cycle unit operations (reprocessing to include dissolution, off-gas treatment, separations, solidification).
• 1 year leadership experience supporting NNSA/nonproliferation programs.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for projects in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division.
• Oversee planning and execution of hands-on technical work.
• Advance INL capabilities in the nuclear fuel cycle, especially reprocessing.
• Develop and deploy advanced fuel cycle technologies to address proliferation risk.
• Prepare PFDs and P&IDs; perform mass and energy balances for fuel cycle systems.
• Experience with computational modeling for process design.
• Support design, fabrication, installation, and operation of lab and pilot-scale systems.
• Engage in nondestructive assay methods for radiation detection and analytical chemistry.
• Publish research, present at conferences, generate patents, and lead proposals.
• Develop strategic R&D activities for NNSA and other customers; mentor early-career staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project planning

Nuclear fuel cycle knowledge

Mass & energy balances

Computational modeling

Mentoring staff

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited degree (Chemical Eng or related)

Advanced degree in Mechanical/Chemical Eng

Leadership in NNSA/nonproliferation programs

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory seeks a Senior technical leader in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division to oversee planning and execution of hands-on work and advance fuel cycle capabilities, especially reprocessing.

The role emphasizes risk-aware deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, mentoring early-career staff, and developing strategic R&D for NNSA and other customers. Strong leadership and DOE Q clearance are required.