Thermal Hydraulics Analyst

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 79,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive relocation package

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Thermal-Hydraulic Analyst to join the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport team. The role focuses on RELAP5-3D modeling and multi-physics analysis to evaluate reactor performance and safety margins.

The successful candidate will perform steady-state and transient simulations, support V&V activities, and contribute to advanced reactor concept studies while working on a 9x80 schedule at the REC facility with every other Friday off.

Qualifications

• Level 2: BS in nuclear engineering/physics/mathematics/CS or related field with 2 years of experience; or advanced degree in related field.
• Level 3: BS in nuclear engineering/physics/mathematics/CS or related field with 5 years of experience; or advanced degree with 2 years.
• Position subject to export control; US citizenship or green card required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain RELAP5-3D system models for reactor systems and test configurations.
• Perform steady-state and transient analyses to evaluate performance and safety margins.
• Analyze advanced reactor concepts including HTGR, SFR, and MSR.
• Interpret results to identify phenomena, sensitivities, and modeling limits.
• Support V&V activities by comparing with experiments and benchmarks.
• Contribute to benchmark models and RELAP5-3D V&V test suite.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Thermal-hydraulic analysis

RELAP5-3D modeling

Multiphysics simulations

Nuclear reactor analysis

Education

B.S. in nuclear engineering or related field

Advanced degree in nuclear engineering or related field

Tools

RELAP5-3D

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a technically skilled and motivated Thermal-Hydraulic Analyst to join the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport Department. This multi-level position focuses on analysis and modeling of nuclear reactor systems using RELAP5-3D coupled with multiphysics computational tools, supporting the evaluation of reactor performance, safety margins, and experimental systems.

The successful candidate will perform thermal-hydraulic analyses of reactor systems and experiments, develop RELAP5-3D models from design specifications, and conduct steady-state and transient simulations to evaluate system behavior under operational and accident conditions.

Analyses will support advanced reactor technologies, including high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), sodium fast reactors (SFRs), and molten salt reactor systems (MSRs), as well as experimental test facilities and reactor system configurations relevant to DOE programs. The position also contributes to improving the predictive capability, validation basis, and usability of RELAP5-3D for advanced reactor applications.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain RELAP5-3D system models representing reactor systems, experimental facilities, and thermal-hydraulic test configurations.
• Perform steady-state and transient analyses to evaluate reactor performance, operational behavior, and safety margins.
• Conduct thermal-hydraulic analyses of advanced reactor concepts, including HTGR, SFR, and MSR technologies.
• Interpret simulation results to identify key physical phenomena, system sensitivities, and modeling limitations.
• Support verification and validation (V&V) activities by comparing simulation results with experimental data, benchmark problems, and analytical solutions.
• Contribute to benchmark models and validation cases for the RELAP5-3D V&V test suite.
• Prepare technical reports, analysis documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and program sponsors.

Required:

• Level 2: Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and 2 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear.
• Level 3: Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and 5 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and 2 years of relevant experience.
• This position is subject to export control restrictions per the Department of Energy. For this reason, you must be either a US Citizen or a US Green Card holder to qualify for the job.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field relevant to nuclear.
• Experience in nuclear fuels and materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, core design, and analysis tools/methods.

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 field/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 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Thermal-Hydraulic Analyst to work on our Reactor Systems and Heat Transport team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). 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.

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.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.