Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer to develop, operate, and maintain remotely operated mechanical systems for advanced nuclear research at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). The role involves collaboration with researchers, technicians, and scientists through the full lifecycle from design to long-term configuration management.

Ideal candidates have experience with GD&T, remote engineering in regulated environments, and the ability to translate complex

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree in a related engineering field with required experience.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain DOE 'L' clearance.
• Experience in remote mechanical systems in harsh environments.
• Strong problem solving and communication across teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain remotely operated equipment for hot-cell/glove-box applications.
• Provide engineering solutions for unique research challenges where specialized equipment is required.
• Design and qualify new processes and handling equipment for remote applications.
• Lead design reviews and configuration management of assigned systems.
• Interface between nuclear facility, investigators, projects and programs.
• Support research through process development, operation and data analysis of nuclear fuel and materials measurements.

Skills

Electro-mechanical design

Test planning & qualification

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Regulatory/DOE experience

Education

Bachelor of Science in mechanical/electrical/nuclear engineering or related

Master's degree in related field with 2+ years experience

PhD with 2+ years experience

Tools

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

Job description

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.

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.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Minimum Requirements

• Level 3: 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 5 years of experience. Master's and 2 years of experience. PhD and 2 years of experience.
• Level 4: 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 9 years of experience. Master's and 6 years of experience. PhD and 4 years of experience.
• Must be a US Citizen and have the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOE "L" clearance.
• Experience in development testing, electro-mechanical design, fabrication support, mock-up qualification testing, installation support, and acceptance testing.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Demonstrated ability to operate within regulated, procedure-driven environments where safety, compliance, and documentation rigor are paramount. Experience in the DOE complex, nuclear facilities, or similarly regulated industries is a plus.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills with demonstrated ability to translate effectively between operations staff and research scientists, adjusting depth and style as needed
• Advanced proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) with demonstrated experience applying GD&T principles to drawing creation, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and design for manufacturability.

Job Information

• The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288/ Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336). 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.

Other Information

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.