Nuclear Engineer I OR II - Safety Analysis Models Group

Duke Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

On-site dining and fitness facility

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Duke Energy seeks an entry-level Nuclear Engineer I/II to support the Safety Analysis Models group within the Nuclear Engineering Division. You will work on simulations for PWR reactors, develop in-house methods, and contribute to safety analyses under supervision.

The role offers hybrid work with a Charlotte base, relocation support if needed, and opportunities to grow technical expertise in transient analyses and licensing processes.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering from ABET accredited program (MS may substitute).
• 0-2 years (Engineer I) or 2-4 years (Engineer II) depending on level.
• Strong interest in nuclear safety analyses and fuel cycle.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex transient thermal-hydraulic simulations for all PWR Duke reactors using RETRAN-3D and VIPRE-01.
• Prepare technical reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• Develop, qualify, and maintain computer codes used in safety analysis.
• Collaborate/interface with Duke Energy, industry, vendor, and regulatory personnel.
• Participate in technical training activities.
• Originate, revise, and maintain NRC approved methodologies for transient/accident analyses.
• Assist with Licensing Amendment Requests (LAR) packages and related tasks.
• Contribute to improvements in safety margins and plant operational margins.

Skills

RETRAN-3D

VIPRE

FORTRAN

Python

Nuclear Engineering

Education

ABET-accredited BS Engineering

MS in Engineering considered in lieu

Tools

RETRAN/VIPRE tools

UNIX/Linux workstations

Programming (Python/Fortran)

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits. Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career, as a nuclear professional, helping Duke Energy achieve a clean energy future? Duke Energy’s 11 operating nuclear reactors make Duke a clean energy leader in the electricity generation industry. The Nuclear Fuels Engineering (NFE) department is seeking candidates who are passionate about nuclear energy’s role in a clean energy future. Duke’s NFE department is unique in the industry by owning and performing in-house methods and analysis for nearly all aspects of the fuel cycle, from contracting fuel supply to long term storage of spent fuel. Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, a growing and vibrant city in the Carolinas. Candidates have the opportunity to work from Duke’s brand new, state-of-the-art, headquarters building, with on-site dining and a fitness facility. For those that prefer a suburban or rural lifestyle, we offer the flexibility to work from our nearby nuclear sites at attractive locations such as Lake Norman, NC or Lake Wylie, SC. All our office locations are easy driving distance to the ocean or the mountains, making Charlotte an ideal location for your next home. Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy.

Job Description Nuclear Engineer I or II

This is the entry level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this entry level solve problems in engineering areas of the Safety Analysis Models group with close supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. They have knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures.

The Safety Analysis Models group is part of the Nuclear Engineering Division located at Duke Energy’s General Office in Charlotte. The Safety Analysis group is responsible for computer simulations of plant transients and accidents for all PWR Duke reactors. The group is responsible for performing and maintaining all the non-LOCA analysis for UFSAR Chapter 15 transients and accidents. In addition, this group revises and maintains the in-house NRC approved methodologies that allow Safety Analysis to perform the aforementioned transient and accident analyses.

Some of the other Safety Analysis responsibilities include:

• Perform a variety of complex transient thermal hydraulic simulations for all PWR Duke reactors using RETRAN-3D and VIPRE-01 code packages using NRC approved codes and plant models
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, and documentation
• Develops, qualifies, and maintains computer codes used in safety analysis
• Collaborate/interface with Duke, industry, vendor, and regulatory personnel
• Participate in technical training activities
• Originate, revise, and maintain the in-house NRC approved methodologies for performing transient and accident analyses
• Works with Regulatory Compliance to create and/or review Licensing Amendment Requests (LAR) packages.
• Develops and help license improved Safety Analysis methods which improve thermal margin and/or provide plant operational margins
• Effectively plans work activities to produce high quality deliverables satisfying all station and NRC requirements on a schedule that meets reload licensing or project commitments
• Follows NRC approved methodologies to perform reload analyses.
• Participate on a reload team for the 9 operating PWRs to ensure each core design meets all applicable technical and regulatory limits.

Basic / Required Qualifications

The incumbent must meet the minimum ANSI requirements for this position identified within the scope of Nuclear Operating Fleet Administrative Procedure AD-LS-ALL-0011, Confirmation of Regulatory Guide 1.8 Personnel Qualifications Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relative experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below. Nuclear Engineer I Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering 0-2 years of engineering experience Nuclear Engineer II Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering 2-4 years of engineering experience Minimum of 1 year of nuclear experience

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited program
• Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with safety analysis codes, (e.g. RETRAN, VIPRE, and/or equivalents)
• Experience with nuclear fuel and PWR safety analyses design analyses
• Familiarity with the basic systems of a PWR
• Experience with development and support of License Amendment Requests and 50.59 Evaluations
• Unix and/or Linux workstation experience
• Computer programming experience (FORTRAN/Python/VBA/etc.)
• Knowledge in thermal hydraulic calculations – heat transfer, flow modeling, single failure analysis, NPSH analysis, etc.
• Experience in the utility industry.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way.
• Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular work week. (ie., candidate MUST relocate to Charlotte area)
• Flexible work schedule - typically four 10-hour days, 2 in office and 2 remote
• Some travel to other Duke sites, industry sites, and industry conferences/meetings
• Occasional off-hour emergent work required

Specific Requirements

• In lieu of 1 year of nuclear experience, a selected candidate is subject to the oversight and written approval authority of a designated qualified individual until the selected candidate becomes fully qualified
• Ability to achieve nuclear site Unescorted Access/Security clearance Emergency Response Organization (ERO) responsibilities which could include callouts with a defined response time to ERO facilities and an on-call duty rotation requiring the employee to be Fit for Duty
• Must reside in the greater Charlotte area to satisfy Hybrid work environment of having to be in the office for 2 days

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance

(as applicable) Yes

Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. About Duke Energy Terms of Use Brighter opportunities. Brighter futures. Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination. Privacy California Consumer Privacy Statement Duke Energy Notice to Employees: Government Contractor Whistleblower Protections Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA) Terms of Use Accessibility