Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engineer

Amentum•Huntsville, AL

1d•Remote

About The Position

ASED is seeking a well experienced candidate for the position of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Subject Matter Expert (SME) in support of the Propulsion Systems and Modeling Branch, located at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). As a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion SME, the candidate will work in a highly integrated team leading and mentoring engineers in advising, strategizing, and developing best in class NTP modeling and simulation capabilities in support of the SNP project office. Additionally, this position will be part time with the option for remote work. Primary duties of the Propulsion System Analyst role include: Development of advanced numerical simulations of nuclear propulsion systems, R&D testing, and testing facility development support, including ultra-high temperature materials behavior, such as temperature distributions in hypersonic gas flow as a function of reactor power and gas handling system designs. Integration of several advanced software physics packages and framework tools into a multi-physics simulation capability to perform end-to-end performance predictions for a nuclear thermal rocket. Interacting with DARPA and US laboratory modelers to develop the simulation framework design with the NASA SNP Project Office and other stakeholders to ensure defensible predictions of technology performance capabilities. The simulation framework and simulation results will be fully documented, and all work product developed will be delivered to SNP Project Office. Working to train junior engineers at SNP Project Office such that SNP Project Office retains advanced capabilities in the modeling and simulation.

Requirements

PhD degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field is required. Degree from an ABET accredited institution is preferred.
At least 30 years of relevant experience is desired.
A demonstrated capability to plan and perform modeling and analysis tasks independently and within a team is required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as Power-Point, Excel, and Word is required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Individual must be highly motivated, self-driven to continuously learn and apply proven and developing knowledge and methodologies in new situations and tasks, and willing to shift focus areas to meet customer requirements.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with software such as MCNP and other thermal physics-based models is desired.

Responsibilities

Development of advanced numerical simulations of nuclear propulsion systems
R&D testing, and testing facility development support, including ultra-high temperature materials behavior, such as temperature distributions in hypersonic gas flow as a function of reactor power and gas handling system designs.
Integration of several advanced software physics packages and framework tools into a multi-physics simulation capability to perform end-to-end performance predictions for a nuclear thermal rocket.
Interacting with DARPA and US laboratory modelers to develop the simulation framework design with the NASA SNP Project Office and other stakeholders to ensure defensible predictions of technology performance capabilities.
The simulation framework and simulation results will be fully documented, and all work product developed will be delivered to SNP Project Office.
Working to train junior engineers at SNP Project Office such that SNP Project Office retains advanced capabilities in the modeling and simulation.