Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer (Staff)

About the role

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Cycle Analysis Group (RNFCA) is seeking candidates for the Advanced Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycle Engineer (Staff) role. This role involves working with state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities for lattice physics, reactor core, spent fuel, and fuel cycle applications through leadership in the development and analysis of SCALE and/or the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) simulations, in collaboration with industry, national laboratories and university researchers. ORNL provides world-leading nuclear, radiological and scientific facilities, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and the role supports neutronics and thermal-hydraulics analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize and analyze reactor models using world-class modeling and simulation codes (SCALE, VERA, OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, MOOSE) to support the design and development of next generation nuclear reactors.
• Develop and analyze fuel cycle models using Cyclus to evaluate advanced fuel cycle strategies to support the design and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Interact effectively across organization structures with staff scientists and engineers and be an effective representative of ORNL and their research to sponsors and the professional community.
• Conduct work on scope and on budget.
• Communicate effectively the work performed through journal articles, presentations, reports, and code documentation.
• Serve as a role model for integrity and safety in the conduct of research, mentoring of early career staff, and engagement with scientific and professional societies.
• Develop and submit funding proposals to DOE and other government agencies for new research efforts.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

PhD in nuclear engineering or closely related field and 2‑5 years of post‑graduate experience.

• Knowledge of nuclear reactor analysis R&D as demonstrated through research and associated publications.
• Experience using SCALE, VERA, MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, and/or MOOSE and familiarity with reactor systems and concepts.
• Programming/scripting experience including the use of one or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran, Git, and CMake (an asset).
• Demonstrated writing and communication skills and ability to publish.
• Must be qualified for access to export‑controlled technology without an export control license.
• Must possess a Real ID compliant form of identification.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, requiring a favorable Tier 1 background check (including declaration of illegal drug activities).
• For foreign nationals: must have resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years to be eligible for PIV; otherwise require a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination.

Qualifications

• Experience with multiphysics software and simulations (an asset).
• Previous experience with the development and implementation of numerical algorithms in advanced modeling and simulation software related to reactor physics analysis (an asset).
• Knowledge of software engineering best practices, including continuous integration, requirements management, and object‑oriented programming concepts and design patterns (an asset).
• Experience working within a rigorous quality assurance program.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Skills

Programming/scripting languages: C/C++, Python, Fortran; tools: Git, CMake.

Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health