Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Fluorination Reprocessing R&D Engineer to work in our Pyrochemical Science department at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) facility.

About the role

Develop cutting-edge technologies for the management and recycling of used nuclear fuels. This involves designing and setting up experiments relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle, collecting and analyzing experimental data, and documenting and publishing results.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering research and development activities associated with pyrochemical reprocessing.
• Conduct fundamental and applied research.
• Collect and analyze test results; develop new testing methods and analysis approaches.
• Assimilate and interpret experimental data.
• Present at conferences, either independently or as part of a research team.
• Identify new research opportunities, contribute to the direction of technical teams, respond to research opportunities, and assist in generating technical proposals and securing funding.
• Develop and implement process controls and tracking mechanisms using programming.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and heat/material balances.
• Establish process design and operating parameters through simulations, hazards analysis, and testing.
• Monitor and evaluate plant system conditions and operational performance; recommend maintenance standards and identify vendor data and replacement parts.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and relevant experience:
  • Level 3: 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Level 4: 9 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and relevant experience:
  • Level 3: 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Level 4: 6 years of relevant experience.
• PhD in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and relevant experience:
  • Level 3: 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Level 4: 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in nuclear chemical engineering and hands-on experience with high-temperature fluorination of nuclear materials.
• Knowledge of the behavior of uranium, plutonium, and fission product elements under fluorination conditions.
• Familiarity with UF6 handling and purification.
• Demonstrated understanding of how different elements behave as volatile or non-volatile fluorides, and how these properties can be exploited in a separation process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience with the design and operation of fluorination equipment, such as flame reactors, and associated gas treatment and purification systems.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment.
• Requires hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding, handling materials, manipulating tools, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with others.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Schedule

4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Pay

• Level 3: $95,256 - $195,288
• Level 4: $114,360 - $234,336

Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions).
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions).
• Comprehensive Relocation Package.

Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.