R&D Nuclear Engineer - Fuel Performance

BWXT • Lynchburg, VA

1d • $79,000 - $119,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The R&D Nuclear Fuel Performance Engineer will support the design, analysis, and optimization of nuclear fuel systems by leveraging advanced multiphysics computational tools such as INL’s MOOSE/BISON. The role involves developing BWXT's fuel performance code set(s) predictive capabilities in evaluating fuel behavior under normal and off-normal conditions, and contributing to the engineering basis for licensing, fabrication, and operational decision-making. This position requires strong technical proficiency, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams in materials engineering, reactor physics, and thermal-hydraulics.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physics is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience is required; an advanced degree may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-physics modeling, finite element analysis, or computational materials science tools.
• Experience and understanding of nuclear fuel behavior under irradiation (thermal, mechanical, and microstructural phenomena).
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages and engineering computation (FORTRAN, Python, C, C++, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a history of impactful technical contributions.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to clearly communicate technical findings.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree +4 years or Ph.D degree +2 years of experience in Nuclear Engineering, Material Science, Physics or related field.
• In-depth experience using INL MOOSE/BISON or similar multiphysics nuclear fuel performance codes.
• In-depth experience with oxide, nitride, carbide (UO₂, UN, UC), metallic (U‑Zr, U‑Mo), and advanced fuel concepts (TRISO, ATF coatings, SiC cladding, composite systems).
• Knowledge of reactor physics, fuel cycle engineering, or regulatory frameworks (NRC, DOE).
• Experience with HPC environments, parallel computing, and performance optimization.
• Ability to design and execute R&D experiments or modeling campaigns to test new fuel concepts or material behaviors.
• Experience with verification, validation, sensitivity studies and uncertainty quantification method development associated with fuel qualification.

Responsibilities

• Execute detailed fuel performance simulations using MOOSE/BISON and related frameworks to evaluate thermo-mechanical response, fission gas behavior, cladding deformation, and irradiation-driven material evolution.
• Support R&D-driven fuel design activities by integrating experimental data, advanced material models, and irradiation physics into engineering decisions.
• Develop and refine constitutive models for fuel and cladding materials, including creep, plasticity, swelling, phase transformations, and high‑temperature mechanical behavior.
• Analyze irradiation test results, PIE datasets, microstructural characterization, and thermophysical measurements to calibrate, validate, and improve fuel performance codes.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of new fuel forms (e.g., ATF concepts, metallic fuels, composite claddings, advanced ceramics).
• Collaborate closely with reactor physicists, thermohydraulic analysts, materials scientists, fabrication engineers, and licensing specialists.
• Prepare technical analyses, R&D reports, and simulation documentation for internal use and regulatory interfaces.
• Maintain high-quality modeling workflows and support verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

What This Job Offers

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