Nuclear Fuel Engineering Consultant

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. (SIA) seeks a driven engineer with extensive experience in nuclear fuel performance analysis to support advanced reactor and LWR applications.

You will enhance fuel modeling, run licensing-related evaluations, and contribute to the development of in-house codes. The role includes coordinating projects, delivering results, presenting findings to management, and assisting in business development and industry engagement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in nuclear fuel performance analysis.
• BS in Nuclear Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Knowledge of fuel performance modeling and simulation, licensing regulations, codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop evaluation methodologies for fuel performance and licensing for Advanced Reactors.
• Maintain and develop in-house codes for in-reactor fuel performance and spent fuel evaluation.
• Perform engineering calculations using SIA, EPRI, and INL fuel codes.
• Develop fuel performance modeling methodologies and PCI analyses for LWRs.
• Work with NRC regulations governing frontend/backend fuel cycle.
• Organize, manage, and deliver high-quality project results.
• Generate proposals and manage projects efficiently.
• Support business development and client relationships.

Skills

Nuclear fuel analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication & presentation

Linux/Unix

Python/Fortran

Education

BS in Nuclear or Mechanical Eng

MS or PhD in Nuclear or Mechanical Eng

Tools

Linux/Unix environments

EPRI fuel codes

INL fuel codes

Python/Fortran

Job description

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. (SIA) is seeking a self-driven, high-energy individual with 5 or more years of experience in engineering analysis of nuclear fuels, including fuel performance evaluation of LWRs and Advanced Reactors under normal operations and accident conditions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop evaluation methodologies in support of fuel performance and licensing activities for Advanced Reactors
• Support continued development and maintenance of in-house computer codes for in-reactor fuel performance and spent fuel evaluation
• Perform engineering calculations using SIA, EPRI, and INL fuel performance codes
• Develop fuel performance modeling and simulation methodologies and conduct PCI related analyses for LWRs
• Work with NRC regulations dealing with the frontend and the backend fuel cycle
• Organize, execute, and manage project assignments, ensuring high quality deliverables
• Generate proposals and efficiently manage projects
• Participate in business development activities and grow client relationships
• Support SI participation and visibility in industry conferences for Advanced Reactors and LWRs

Required Skills & Competencies:

• 5+ years of experience in nuclear fuel performance analysis and related areas
• BS degree in Nuclear Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Knowledge and experience in the following areas:
  • Fuel performance modeling and simulation
  • Nuclear plant licensing regulations, guides, codes, and standards applicable to fuel analysis methods
  • Technical and administrative management of small-scale projects within the fuel analysis area
  • Presenting findings and recommendations to key management through reports and presentations
  • Linux/Unix environments, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Ability to integrate work across relevant areas, develop business and execute business plans, and effectively manage project resources
  • Effective decision making, results delivery, team building, and the ability to stay current with relevant technology and innovation
  • Strong ethics and interpersonal skills, communication, and the ability to effectively manage stress and engage in continuous learning

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• MS or PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency with 2-D and/or 3-D structural modeling of irradiated and/or spent nuclear fuel
• Experience with development of Advanced fuel concepts and/or Advanced Reactor fuel designs
• Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis software and modeling techniques
• Basic software programming language proficiency with PYTHON and/or FORTRAN
• Proficiency with CASMO/SIMULATE physics and fuel management codes
• Proficiency with core thermal hydraulics and/or safety analysis codes and methods

The expected salary range for this role in San Diego, CA is $110,160 to $165,240 annually. Exact pay will be commensurate with experience.

Export Control Notice:

Certain positions at SIA may require access to information and technology which is subject to Export Administration Regulations 15 CFR 730-774, including those of the US Department of Energy (DOE) in 10 CFR 810 and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 10 CFR Part 110. Hiring decisions for such positions must comply with these regulations and may result in SIA limiting its consideration of foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the DOE’s Generally Authorized Destinations List: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-III/part-810/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%20810.

About Us:

At Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. (SIA), employees are proud to be part of a company where contributions are valued. Join a team of internationally recognized experts in a culture based on knowledge, excellence, and respect for one another. Our employees are members of a distinct community of internationally respected professionals committed to quality, engineering innovation and a shared goal of building a safer world.

Why Work at SIA?

SIA offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus program. Our retirement benefits include a Traditional 401k, Roth 401k, and an employer match. To help employees maintain a work-life balance, SIA also offers various paid time off including vacation, floating holidays, sick time, and parental leave.

Our employees also enjoy a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account for health care and dependent care
• ID theft protection and credit monitoring

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

www.structint.com