Thermal Hydraulics Engineer

Actalent; Idaho Falls (ID); Remote; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Thermal Hydraulics Engineer for remote contracting in Idaho Falls to support advanced reactor system design. The role centers on CFD analyses, thermal-fluid modeling, and heat transfer evaluations under steady-state and transient conditions.

You will use ANSYS and related tools to assess cooling performance, document calculations, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. This fully remote contract role offers competitive hourly compensation and long-term project

Qualifications

• CFD analyses for reactor-scale designs.
• Thermal-fluid system modeling and evaluation.
• Heat transfer and cooling performance assessment.
• Analysis of complex cooling system behavior.
• Proficient with ANSYS CFD and thermal-fluid tools.
• Very senior experience, potential 20+ years.
• Bachelor-level engineering degree required.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state and transient CFD analyses.
• Develop thermal-fluid system models for performance assessment.
• Conduct heat transfer and flow distribution analyses.
• Evaluate cooling system performance under varying conditions.
• Prepare calculations and technical reports communicating methods and results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on design and qualification.
• Utilize ANSYS-based tools to generate analysis results for decisions.

Skills

CFD analyses

Thermal-fluid modeling

Heat transfer evaluation

Cooling systems analysis

ANSYS tools

20 years experience

Mechanical/Nuclear/Aerospace/Chemical

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Nuclear/Aerospace/Chemical Eng

Tools

ANSYS

Job description

Job Title: Thermal Hydraulics EngineerJob Description

The Thermal Hydraulics Engineer supports the design and development of advanced reactor systems by performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermal-fluid modeling, and heat transfer analysis. The role focuses on evaluating fluid flow behavior, thermal performance, and cooling system effectiveness under both steady-state and transient operating conditions to inform critical engineering decisions.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state and transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses to support advanced reactor system design and evaluation.

• Develop and execute thermal-fluid system models to assess reactor and component performance under a range of operating conditions.

• Conduct detailed heat transfer and flow distribution analyses for complex engineering systems.

• Evaluate cooling system performance, including pressure losses and thermal behavior, under varying operating conditions.

• Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, and supporting analysis documentation that clearly communicate methods, assumptions, and results.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support system design, qualification activities, and performance assessments.

• Utilize ANSYS-based tools and other simulation software to generate high-quality analysis results and support engineering decisions.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses.

• Experience developing and executing thermal-fluid system models.

• Experience with heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermal performance evaluations.

• Experience analyzing complex cooling systems and flow distribution behavior.

• Proficiency using ANSYS simulation tools for CFD and thermal-fluid analysis.

• Preferred 20 years of relevant engineering experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with advanced reactor systems or similarly complex engineering systems.

• Ability to document analysis work clearly in technical reports and engineering calculations.

• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Work Environment

This is a remote position, allowing you to perform analysis and design activities from a home office or other suitable remote location. You will primarily work with advanced engineering simulation tools, including ANSYS-based software and related computational tools, to support design and analysis of complex thermal-fluid and reactor systems. Standard professional attire is expected for any virtual meetings or presentations with internal or external stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Idaho Falls, ID.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Idaho Falls, ID.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.