Thermal Hydraulics Engineer

Aalo Atomics; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Aalo Atomics, based in Austin and expanding a nuclear energy program, seeks a CFD Analyst / Thermal Fluid Engineer to advance high-fidelity simulations for reactor components and safety-critical studies. You will model heat transfer and fluid flow, support experiments, and contribute to multi-physics analyses.

Candidates bring an MSc in a relevant field, 5+ years of CFD experience, and proficiency with STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or similar tools. On-site work in Idaho Falls is required.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a relevant field required.
• 5+ years of hands-on CFD experience in thermal-fluid problems.
• Proven ability to run independent, complex CFD analyses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute CFD models for thermal-fluid analysis.
• Perform simulations including conjugate heat transfer and multi-phase flows.
• Apply numerical methods to ensure accuracy and convergence.
• Conduct mesh generation, sensitivity studies, and validation.
• Collaborate with analysts and experimental teams on evaluations.
• Document modeling approaches and results clearly.

Skills

CFD modeling

Numerical methods

Thermal-fluid analysis

Independent planning

Education

MSc in Nuclear Engineering

MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

STAR-CCM+

OpenFOAM

COMSOL

Nek5000

Job description

About this position

About Aalo Atomics

Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting‑edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we’re rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world’s first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled CFD Analyst / Thermal Fluid Engineer to perform high‑fidelity thermal‑fluid simulations supporting nuclear and energy‑related applications. This role focuses on applying advanced CFD tools to complex heat transfer and fluid flow problems, often in support of reactor components, experiments, or coupled multi‑physics analyses.

What you’ll do

• Develop and execute CFD models for thermal‑fluid analysis.
• Perform simulations involving conjugate heat transfer, turbulence modeling, and single‑or‑multi‑phase flows.
• Apply sound numerical methods to ensure solution accuracy, stability, and convergence.
• Conduct mesh generation, sensitivity studies, and model validation against experimental or analytical data.
• Collaborate with system analysts, designers, and experimental teams to support integrated thermal‑hydraulic evaluations.
• Document modeling assumptions, methods, and results in clear technical reports.
• Experience with nuclear facilities or other safety‑critical infrastructure.
• Familiarity with the nuclear energy regulatory environment.
• Understanding of radiation and thermal effects on materials and long‑term degradation mechanisms.
• Knowledge of probabilistic risk assessment methodologies.

Qualifications

Required

• MSc in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on CFD experience applied to thermal‑fluid problems.
• Demonstrated expertise with one or more CFD platforms (STAR‑CCM+, COMSOL, Altair, Nek5000, or OpenFOAM).
• Strong background in numerical methods for fluid flow and heat transfer.
• Ability to independently plan and execute complex CFD analyses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nuclear‑related CFD applications (e.g., reactor components, experimental test sections).
• Knowledge of coupling CFD with system codes or structural/thermal solvers.
• Experience working in a regulated or high‑quality engineering environment.
• Experience in experimental thermal hydraulics is a plus.

Requirements

• Based in the United States.
• Willing to work on‑site in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary starting at $110,000.
• Paid Time Off.

Additional Information

Aalo Atomics provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, intellectually challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Aalo Atomics is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.