Level 1/2 Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); Remote; USD 67,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Relocation package

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory hires a Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer to design, operate, and maintain remotely operated systems for hot-cell research at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). The role collaborates with researchers, technicians, and scientists through the full equipment lifecycle from concept to operation, ensuring safe, reliable remote handling and instrumentation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background, GD&T knowledge, CAD skills, and willingness to learn

Qualifications

• Requires a BS in engineering from ABET-accredited program; MS/PhD helpful.
• Level 2 may include 2 years experience; or advanced degree with 0 years.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for DOE clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate remotely operated processes and equipment for hot-cell environments.
• Provide engineering solutions for one-of-a-kind designs in research programs.
• Design and modify equipment and fixturing for remote handling tasks.
• Install and qualify new PIE and instrumentation; support configuration management.
• Serve as interface between facilities, researchers and projects.
• Support data analysis and experimentation for nuclear fuel and materials.

Skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Active listening

Communication skills

GD&T knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Advanced engineering degree (M.S./Ph.D.)

Tools

CAD

Drafting standards

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer to work on our Hot Cell Instrumentation and Data team. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) with every Friday off.

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 facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC.

The Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer develops, operates, and maintains remotely operated mechanical systems and hot cell equipment in support of advanced nuclear research at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). This role collaborates closely with researchers, technicians, operators, and scientists across the full equipment lifecycle from conceptual design and mockups through fabrication oversight, installation, and long-term configuration management.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development and production of remotely operated process equipment/systems for use in the harsh environments represented in hot-cell and glove-box applications. Support of the operation and maintenance of remotely operated process equipment/systems and technical baseline.
• Provide imaginative and practical engineering solutions to research related programmatic issues and challenges where highly specialized equipment solutions are required to be designed (typically one-of-kind design).
• Design and development of new processes and handling equipment. Design systems, equipment, and fixturing, for remote applications.
• Modify existing process equipment/systems to support new missions. Adapt commercially available equipment for remote applications. Install and qualify (Mockup) of new Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) and test equipment & Instrumentation.
• Serve as a technical interface between nuclear facility, principal investigators, projects and programs.
• Support research through process development, operation and data analysis of nuclear fuel and material measurements in Nuclear Facilities.
• Interact with research personnel to establish experiment specific requirements for remote processes and examinations.
• Complete design reviews and verification.
• Configuration management of assigned systems and Engineering Change (EC) process.
• May be responsible for procurement, quality level determination, scheduling, and cost estimating for small projects.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with both operations staff and research scientists.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and ability to interpret GD&T callouts on engineering drawings.

Minimum Requirements

• Level 1: Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited institution or other related field.
• Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited institution or other related field and 2 years of experience. Master's and 0 years of experience. PhD and 0 years of experience.
• Must be a US Citizen and have the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOE "L" clearance.

Ideal Candidate Possesses

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with both operations staff and research scientists.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and the ability to interpret GD&T callouts on engineering drawings.
• Exposure to mechanical or electrical design tools (CAD, drafting standards) through academic projects, internships, or co-ops.
• Willingness to learn remote-handling and hot-cell equipment design principles under the mentorship of senior engineers.

Job Information

• The pay range for this position is: Level 1 $ 66,504 - 136,356/ Level 2 $79,344 - $162,732. 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.

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 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 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

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.