Nuclear Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

1d • $79,344 - $195,288 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a well-qualified researcher focused on thin film deposition and characterization. This position will be part of the Tritium and Fusion Materials department but will work with many different groups. The researcher will work with magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and chemical vapor deposition systems for creating thin films. The candidate will also characterize thin films using SEM, EBSD, XRD, profilometry, and ellipsometry. The candidate should be very familiar with ultra-high vacuum technology and practices, with hand-on approach to troubleshooting such systems. The researcher will also operate hydrogen permeation test apparatuses. Beyond experimental research, the researcher will be responsible for documenting results, contributing toward presentations and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, mentorship of students, and contribution to proposal development will also be expected. The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

Requirements

• Level 2: Advanced degree in Materials science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Level 3: Advanced degree in Materials science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET, and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Previous hands-on experience with at least one of the following: magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition.
• Significant hand-on experience with ultra-high vacuum technology.
• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Understanding of chemical composition, structure, properties, and processes.
• Capable of finding solutions to achieve desired experimental outcomes.
• Apply general rules to specific problems.
• Combine pieces of information to form conclusions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS).

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience in nuclear fuels and materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, core design, and analysis tools/methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental requirements or packaging and handling requirements for spent nuclear fuel.
• Apply advanced nuclear engineering design principles, theories, and concepts.
• Use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs.
• Document designs to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
• Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
• Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement align with design specifications.
• Perform integrated analyses to meet experimental, storage, transportation, disposal, and facility safety requirements.
• Defend analytical methods and results in reviews.
• Support project/program interactions with sponsors, operations, and engineering organizations.
• Develop and improve physics-based mathematical models and analysis methods.
• Prepare reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Represent programs through technical presentations and at conferences.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Perform analyses of irradiation experiments and conduct research supporting nuclear processes.
• Support transformational fuel qualification efforts.
• Documenting results.
• Contributing toward presentations and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Mentorship of students.
• Contribution to proposal development.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level