Associate Chemical Engineer

About the Role

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a chemical engineer in our Materials Manufacturing area within the Fuel and Poison Materials (FPM) unit. FPM develops new fuel and poison systems, as well as improvements to existing systems, with key drivers including delivering fuel and poison systems that enable increasing core performance objectives with improved quality and reduced cost. This role involves research and testing of nuclear fuel and cladding materials, including test design, specimen fabrication, and characterization.

Responsibilities

• Work within a team of engineering, laboratory, facility, and compliance organizations to enable and conduct test programs.
• Plan, design, model/analyze, manufacture, and deploy laboratory equipment, including nuclear, chemical, mechanical, structural, and electrical components and systems.
• Develop models of unit operations, execute testing, and analyze data to verify process models and improve unit operation performance.
• Develop and fabricate unique materials systems, up to and including small-scale production demonstration.
• Document progress, analyze results, and conduct presentations as needed.
• Occasional travel to domestic vendors (3 to 6 times per year).

This is a dynamic and innovative environment spanning development, laboratory, and factory deployment, directly impacting the program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, or science field; or a Master’s degree in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree(s) in Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering (or similar).
• Experience in materials science, control systems, and chemical engineering.
• Proficiency in data analytics, statistical design of experiments, and machine learning.
• Modeling of fluid dynamics and thermal transfer.
• Demonstrated software programming skills in LabVIEW and Python.
• Experience in core material and core manufacturing technical areas, including vendor contract and production oversight.
• Ability to clearly and concisely articulate technical work to broad audiences, including senior management.
• Proactive, self-motivated approach with strong time and project management skills, ownership, and personal accountability.
• Practical leadership skills, including team building, influencing others, and setting priorities and vision.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Benefits
• Disability, Life, and Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Program and Capital Accumulation Plan
• Personal and Medical Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
• Student Debt Benefit
• Personal Time Off Sell Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program

Pay

Pay Range: $63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually. Salary is based on candidate experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. The position requires passing a drug test in compliance with company policy and 10 CFR 707.