Nuclear Engineer
Oak Ridge, TNOnsite
Summary
Performs radiation transport, reactor physics, and criticality safety analyses for nuclear fuel manufacturing and advanced systems using tools like SCALE, MCNP, and Serpent. Supports design, safety evaluations, and technical documentation in radiological environments. Requires bachelor's/master's in nuclear engineering and relevant modeling experience.
About the role
Responsibilities
Radiation Transport & Reactor Physics Analysis
- Develop, run, and validate radiation transport and reactor physics models using industry-standard tools such as SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or equivalent software.
- Perform neutronics, shielding, dose, and activation analyses to support system design and safety evaluations.
- Interpret simulation results and provide engineering recommendations to inform design decisions.
Criticality Safety & Fuel Manufacturing Support
- Conduct criticality safety calculations and analyses for advanced fuel manufacturing modules and material handling scenarios.
- Support development and review of safety analyses related to fissile material processing and fuel fabrication.
- Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate criticality safety requirements into process design.
Advanced Nuclear Systems Analysis
- Support modeling and evaluation of advanced nuclear systems, including propulsion and power applications, through detailed simulation and analysis.
- Assess system performance, margins, and safety characteristics under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
- Contribute analytical support to early-stage design trades and technology development efforts.
Technical Documentation & Communication
- Prepare clear, well-structured technical reports, analyses, and presentations to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support preparation of safety documentation, design reviews, and technical briefings.
- Maintain organized records of models, assumptions, inputs, and results.
Quality, Safety & Collaboration
- Perform work in accordance with applicable quality assurance, configuration control, and procedural requirements.
- Support continuous improvement of modeling practices and analytical workflows.
- Work in compliance with radiological safety protocols and support operations in radiological environments as required.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and safety teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Education & Technical Background
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Experience & Skills
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing radiation transport and reactor physics models using SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or similar tools.
- Hands-on experience performing criticality safety calculations and analyses.
- Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for model automation, post-processing, or workflow support.
- Strong technical writing skills with experience producing engineering reports and presentations.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Experience (Preferred)
- Advanced knowledge of nuclear fuels, materials, or fuel manufacturing processes.
- Experience supporting nuclear system design, fuel qualification, or reactor performance evaluations.
- Familiarity with quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies in nuclear or regulated environments.
- Prior experience working in radiological facilities or controlled environments.
Benefits
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Disability and Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
Skills
SCALEMCNPSerpentPythonradiation transportreactor physicscriticality safetyneutronicsshielding