Thermal Hydraulics Engineering Analyst

Requisition Id 13984 

Overview:    

The Reactor Analysis and Modeling (RAM) Group within the Nuclear Safety and Experiment Analysis (NSEA) Section of the Research Reactors Division (RRD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) is hiring a Thermal Hydraulics Engineering Analyst for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. HFIR, one of the most powerful reactors in the world, supports neutron scattering, isotope production, and fuels and materials irradiation experiments. 

We seek a motivated reactor analyst with expertise in nuclear heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and technical uncertainties related to fuel manufacturing, material properties, and operational variables. In this role, you will provide engineering and analytical support to address operational challenges, update legacy thermal-hydraulic analyses, and contribute to long-term projects like the HFIR Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) conversion program. This role involves collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and cultural backgrounds within and outside the organization. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Evaluate safety-basis impacts of proposed plant changes and modifications and write technical justifications supporting those changes when warranted. 

• Perform high-quality reactor modeling, simulation, and thermal-hydraulic (T-H) analyses to support the HFIR safety basis, operational issues, and long-term upgrade projects. 

• Perform detailed evaluations of system designs and historical performance, present findings to diverse team members, and prepare written documentation as needed. 

• Provide relevant input and expertise to support application of modern analysis tools and methods to upgrade the HFIR T-H safety basis. 

• Collaborate on projects, such as the high-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium fuel conversion project. 

• Collaboratively work with other Nuclear Safety and Experiments staff; others within RRD (e.g., Systems Engineering, Operations); and other ORNL directorates and divisions to support RRD and ORNL T-H safety missions, as needed. 

• Prepare and review publications to document reactor analysis and modeling for HFIR T-H upgrades and associated research programs. 

• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity 

• 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

Basic Qualifications: 

• An MS degree with 7 years of experience, or PhD with 2 years of experience. 

• Engineering degree must be within nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, engineering physics, or equivalent. Engineering technology degrees are not considered equivalent. 

• Strong reactor analysis background in thermal hydraulics, as proven through university research, publications, and/or work experience. 

• Must be organized, meticulous, and sensitized to a nuclear safety culture. 

• Proven problem-solving skills and a willingness to apply those skills to a variety of engineering problems. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience modeling and analyzing sophisticated engineering systems with both analytical approaches and with software, such as COMSOL, ANSYS, RELAP5, TRACE, etc.  

• Experience and knowledge of the multi-physics reactor engineering framework, including the interplay between reactor neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, thermal-structural interaction, fluid-structure interaction, fluid dynamics, fluid transient analysis, material property variations, and accident analysis 

• Experience with LINUX or LINUX-like environments and scripting/computer languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and Fortran 

• Familiarity and experience with 10 CFR 830 Subparts A and B and the Reg. Guide 1.70 Chapters 4 and 15 T-H analysis frameworks. 

Special Requirements: 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. 

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions. 

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

#LI-DC1 

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.