Chemical Engineer
About The Position
Nuclear energy's next chapter is being written at Idaho National Laboratory — and we are looking for a Chemical Engineer who wants their fingerprints on it. Join the Nuclear Science & Technology directorate and you'll design and optimize the chemical processes powering the future of nuclear energy, national security, and advanced energy systems. This isn't theoretical work shelved in a report — it's engineering that directly supports the Department of War (DoW), where your designs are stress-tested against real requirements and real standards, and your process controls run on code you write yourself. What you'll actually be doing: Engineering the separation of liquid and gas components — and building the systems that generate electrical current through controlled chemical reactions Turning ideas into process flow diagrams and material balances that become the blueprint for real systems Running simulations and hazards analyses to pin down design and operating parameters before anything goes live Keeping a close eye on plant systems and performance, catching what matters before it becomes a problem Getting hands-on with system design, fabrication, and testing on cutting-edge R&D programs Building physics-based mathematical models that validate designs before they're built Running laboratory research to prove out entirely new principles — the kind of work that becomes tomorrow's standard practice Spotting the next big research question and pursuing it — including helping secure the funding to chase it Why this role matters: You won't just be maintaining existing systems. You'll be part of the team pushing nuclear science forward — solving problems at the intersection of energy innovation and national security, with the autonomy to identify new research directions and the technical team to help you pursue them. If you want engineering work with this much reach — and this much responsibility — Idaho Falls is where it's happening.
Requirements
- Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 5 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 2 years of relevant experience.
- Level 4: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Chemical Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 4 years of relevant experience.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience supporting DoW programs.
- Direct experience supporting nuclear.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from a program accredited by ABET.
- Experience with developing subroutines for process control/tracking software applications.
Responsibilities
- Enable the (Department of War) DoW nuclear energy programs for installation and operational energy.
- Document design to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
- Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
- Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are accomplished per design specifications.
- Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases or generating electrical currents using controlled chemical processes.
- Develop and implement process controls and tracking mechanisms through 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.
- Ensure system design, fabrication, and testing for research and development programs.
- Develop physics-based mathematical models to support and verify design.
- Perform laboratory research studies to prove new principles and concepts.
- Maintain familiarity with applicable codes and standards.
- Identify new research opportunities, contribute to technical teams, respond to research opportunities, and assist in securing funding for research activities.
- May be required to travel to DoW installation locations, up to 30%.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
