Senior FEA Analyst - Nuclear Fuel Behavior & Operations

Protingent; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Senior FEA Analyst for Nuclear Fuel Behavior & Operations in Austin, TX. The role focuses on multi-physics fuel modeling using advanced codes to predict life-cycle behavior under normal, transient, and accident scenarios.

The candidate will conduct PCMI/PCTI analyses, integrate microstructural performance, and lead V&V activities compliant with ASME NQA-1; prior DOE/DoD-level experience highly valued. Direct-hire onsite position.

Qualifications

• Experience developing high-fidelity 2D/3D finite element models for fuel behavior.
• Ability to evaluate PCMI and PCTI with attention to stress and strain localization.
• Knowledge of time- and burnup-dependent fuel phenomena and thermal conductivity degradation.
• Experience with ASME NQA-1 quality standards and related V&V procedures.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and licensing topical reports for regulatory review.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-fidelity 2D/3D FE models of fuel rods, pellets, and cladding.
• Analyze PCMI and PCTI with focus on mechanical locking and stresses.
• Simulate burnup-dependent phenomena: fission gas release, swelling, densification.
• Apply and customize fuel performance codes alongside commercial solvers.
• Lead V&V activities to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Prepare formal technical reports for US NRC and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Multi-physics modeling

PCMI/PCTI analysis

Fission product understanding

Scripting & code customization

NQA-1 compliance

Regulatory reporting

Tools

BISON

FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN

ENIGMA

Python

C++

Fortran

Job description

Position Title: Senior FEA Analyst - Nuclear Fuel Behavior & Operations Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Senior FEA Analyst - Nuclear Fuel Behavior & Operations opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Multi-Physics Fuel Modeling: Develop and execute high-fidelity 2D and 3D finite element models to simulate the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of fuel rods, pellets, and cladding under steady-state, transient, and accident scenarios (RIA/LOCA).
• Interface & Interaction Analysis: Conduct detailed evaluations of Pellet-Cladding Mechanical Interactions (PCMI) and Pellet-Cladding Thermal Interactions (PCTI), capturing localized stress concentrations, mechanical locking, and cladding strain.
• Microstructural Performance Integration: Simulate time- and burnup-dependent fuel phenomena, including fission gas release, fuel swelling, densification, thermal conductivity degradation, and cladding creep/hydriding.
• Code Application & Customization: Utilize and adapt state-of-the-art nuclear fuel performance codes (e.g., BISON, FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN, ENIGMA) alongside commercial solvers to predict fuel life-cycle behavior.
• V&V and Quality Assurance: Lead rigorous Verification and Validation (V&V) procedures for fuel performance models in strict compliance with ASME NQA-1 quality standards.
• Regulatory Technical Support: Compile, review, and authorize formal technical reports and licensing topical reports to defend fuel safety margins before nuclear regulatory authorities (e.g., US NRC).

Job Qualifications

• Multi-Physics Fuel Modeling: Develop and execute high-fidelity 2D and 3D finite element models to simulate the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of fuel rods, pellets, and cladding under steady-state, transient, and accident scenarios (RIA/LOCA).
• Interface & Interaction Analysis: Conduct detailed evaluations of Pellet-Cladding Mechanical Interactions (PCMI) and Pellet-Cladding Thermal Interactions (PCTI), capturing localized stress concentrations, mechanical locking, and cladding strain.
• Microstructural Performance Integration: Simulate time- and burnup-dependent fuel phenomena, including fission gas release, fuel swelling, densification, thermal conductivity degradation, and cladding creep/hydriding.
• Code Application & Customization: Utilize and adapt state-of-the-art nuclear fuel performance codes (e.g., BISON, FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN, ENIGMA) alongside commercial solvers to predict fuel life-cycle behavior.
• V&V and Quality Assurance: Lead rigorous Verification and Validation (V&V) procedures for fuel performance models in strict compliance with ASME NQA-1 quality standards.
• Regulatory Technical Support: Compile, review, and authorize formal technical reports and licensing topical reports to defend fuel safety margins before nuclear regulatory authorities (e.g., US NRC).

Core Competencies

• Deep understanding of high-temperature material science, radiation effects on materials (swelling, creep), and fracture mechanics.
• Proven capability in scripting and code customization (Python, C++, or Fortran) to automate workflows and implement custom material subroutines.
• Familiarity working within rigid nuclear quality assurance frameworks (NQA-1).

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Experience modeling advanced technology fuels, such as Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) concepts, doped UO2, silicide fuels, or liquid metal/molten salt reactor fuel elements.
• Strong track record of publishing peer-reviewed research or presenting technical findings to nuclear regulatory bodies.

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Salary $120K-$125K
• Location: Austin, TX (Onsite).

Active or Prior U.S. DOE Q-Level or DoD Secret security clearance. Export control regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.