Nonproliferation Nuclear Fuel Cycle Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory•Idaho Falls, ID

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provide technical leadership for projects within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. Oversee and contribute to the planning of execution of technical hands-on work. Advance INL capabilities and programs surrounding the nuclear fuel cycle, with a particular emphasis on nuclear fuel reprocessing. Support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, addressing proliferation risk to deploy with confidence. Prepare process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams, perform mass and energy balances as applied to nuclear fuel cycle systems. Experience with computational modeling for process design and evaluation is desired. Support laboratory and pilot-scale system design, fabrication, installation, and operation. Experience with nondestructive assay methods for radiation detection and analytical chemistry as applied to nonproliferation mission areas is preferred. Publish research works in peer-reviewed journal publications, present at conferences, generate patents, and demonstrate leadership in proposal writing and business development. This position will develop strategic R&D activities in support of NNSA and other customers and serve as an important resource for mentoring early-career staff. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET.
Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 9 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 6+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
Level 5: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 14 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 8+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in nuclear fuel cycle unit operations (engineering expertise in nuclear fuel reprocessing to include dissolution, off-gas treatment, chemical separations, and solidification).
1 year of demonstrated leadership supporting NNSA and nonproliferation programs.
Must be able to prove a strong network across DOE, industry, universities, and other national laboratories.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas.
Has wide-ranging experience.
Uses professional concepts and company objectives to solve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
Interfaces with and mentor junior staff.
Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
Work is performed without appreciable direction.
Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Lead).
Exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives of assignment.
Guides the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role.
Represents organization as prime contact on projects or work.
Interacts with senior internal personnel on significant matters often requiring coordination between organizations.
Networks with key contacts outside own area or expertise.
Recognized organization‐wide expert.
Has broad expertise or unique knowledge.
Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
Interfaces with and mentor junior staff and some senior staff.
Works on significant and unique issues and provides solutions which are highly innovative and ingenious and where analysis requires evaluation of intangibles.
Acts independently or works under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives.
Assignments are often self-initiated.
Determines and pursues courses of action necessary to obtain desired results.
Work reviewed through consultation and/or agreement with others rather than by formal review of superior.
Develops advanced ideas and guides their development.
May serve as organizational spokesperson on advanced projects and/or programs.
Acts as advisor to management and customers.
Creates formal networks involving coordination among groups.

Nice To Haves

Experience with computational modeling for process design and evaluation is desired.
Experience with nondestructive assay methods for radiation detection and analytical chemistry as applied to nonproliferation mission areas is preferred.
Advanced degree in chemical engineering or related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
Experience with nondestructive assay techniques for radiation detection and analytical chemistry methods.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for projects within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division.
Oversee and contribute to the planning of execution of technical hands-on work.
Advance INL capabilities and programs surrounding the nuclear fuel cycle, with a particular emphasis on nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, addressing proliferation risk to deploy with confidence.
Prepare process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams, perform mass and energy balances as applied to nuclear fuel cycle systems.
Support laboratory and pilot-scale system design, fabrication, installation, and operation.
Publish research works in peer-reviewed journal publications, present at conferences, generate patents, and demonstrate leadership in proposal writing and business development.
Develop strategic R&D activities in support of NNSA and other customers.
Serve as an important resource for mentoring early-career staff.