Senior FEA Engineer: Nuclear Fuel Dynamics & Safety

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

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.