Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

About the role

The Future Development Programs (FDP) department at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a highly motivated entry-level nuclear engineer to contribute to next generation reactor core design. FDP is currently leading the conceptual development of a new reactor core for the Navy's fast attack submarine fleet. Additional focus areas include defining future design spaces, evaluating innovative technologies, and assessing cost-performance trade-offs for advanced submarine propulsion concepts.

In this role, you will apply your nuclear engineering education to evaluate neutronic behavior, thermal performance, shielding design, or overall primary plant performance. You will help assess how new design concepts can improve the performance, safety, and capability of future naval reactors. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong desire to develop a broad understanding of how multiple engineering disciplines integrate into reactor core design.

FDP is currently in the conceptual core design phase, where close collaboration between nuclear design, thermal analysis, shielding, and reactor performance groups is essential. This phase will transition into detailed core and plant design, requiring development of sophisticated analysis models and execution of comprehensive evaluations to ensure maximum capability while ensuring the reactor is safe for deployment.

This position requires strong communication skills and frequent interaction with multidisciplinary partners, including core manufacturing groups, materials performance groups, and reactor plant design organizations. Interested applicants must excel at working in a highly collaborative environment.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Nuclear Engineering or Physics; or
• Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Nuclear Engineering or Physics.

Preferred Skills

• Cumulative GPA 3.2 or higher
• Coursework in thermal and nuclear design and analysis including neutronics, radiation transport, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or finite element analysis
• Experience in engineering analysis, including the use of coding to post-process results in MATLAB or Python
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
• Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
• Personal & 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

$63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually

Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.