Nuclear Fuel Cycle Systems Engineer - R&D Staff

Requisition Id 14041 

Overview:

We are seeking a Nuclear Fuel Cycle Systems Engineer to focus on researching and developing applications related to storage, disposal, safety, security, and transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive materials.  This position resides in the Nuclear Materials Packaging, Transportation, and Systems Analysis (NMPTSA) group in the Integrated Fuel Cycle Section, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, and Fusion and Fission and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of our research team, you will develop, evaluate, and specify used nuclear fuel handling systems. Additionally, you will perform structural analysis, thermal analysis and regulatory tests of nuclear systems using applicable codes and standards. The successful candidate will use additive manufacturing technology to provide 3D models of waste handling components to various federal sponsors. You will develop computer models and software for tracking special nuclear material in nuclear fuel cycle (using discrete event, system dynamic, agent based and multi-method), used nuclear fuel management operations analysis and operational concepts communication using virtual reality and augmented reality methods.  You will coordinate activities involved in the documentation, and design process of mechanical products and systems. Finally, you will support the NMPTSA with various evaluation, design, and analysis tasks in testing, fuel cycle, and fusion engineering projects.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop additive manufactured components in support of the DOE Nuclear Energy Office of Consent Based Sitting. 

• Performing, develop and alter CAD models and FEA models, FEA analysis, and other calculations to evaluate and verify design concepts related mechanical systems and components for the safety and security of transportation radioactive materials.

• Create and analyze part and assembly models in SolidWorks, or ANSYS to support 3D design and analysis of various programs.

• Generate detailed mechanical drawings to facilitate fabrication and installation of equipment.

• Interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and test campaign personnel inside and outside of ORNL.

• Participate in large complex nuclear safety analyses efforts focusing on integrated used fuel storage, transportation, safety and security applications. 

• Participate in proposal writing process and cultivate professional relationships with customers/ sponsors.

• Represent work performed by the group for internal and external review, providing presentations to sponsors and the general public as necessary. 

• Maintains records and contribute to technical papers, journal articles and reports for internal and external release.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A MS degree with 7+ years of experience or PhD and 2+ years of experience.

• Degree area should be in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Proven publication track record demonstrated by technical journals, papers, and other related material.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with mechanical design software, simulation, and mechanical calculations.

• Experience in generating 3D printing components and operating and maintaining 3D printers.

• Experience in virtual reality or augmented reality software and implementation.

• Experience with CAD and finite element analysis codes such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, and/or SolidWorks and experience simulating static linear, time-based motion, mechanical resistance, heat transfer, and natural frequency.

• Experience providing technical support and guidance in complex engineering problems.

• The successful candidate will ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements. 

• Ability to write and present technical work to project stakeholders.

• Ability to contribute to all phases of the design: preliminary, detailed, testing, and product iteration.

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory. 

Special Requirement:

• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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 Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.