Space Nuclear Propulsion Engine Systems Analyst

Amentum•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

This position supports the Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) program at NASA aimed at maturing the technology for nuclear rocket engines. The engineer will work both independently at times and in an integrated team performing engine systems and system engineering-related activities of the nuclear rocket engine project. As a key member of the SNP team, primary duties will include: Expertise in Nuclear Core Multiphysics (MP) Modeling: Experience with the physics involved in nuclear core dynamics, including heat transfer, fluid mechanics, structures, and nuclear engineering. Proficiency in at least one of these areas, with a strong focus on nuclear engineering, is essential. Nuclear Reactor Operations: Familiarity with nuclear reactor startup, shutdown, cooldown, testing, and controls is highly desired. Experience with simulating these operational phases is a plus. Nuclear Reactor Core Materials: Understanding of the materials and nuclear properties of nuclear reactor cores, particularly those used in nuclear thermal propulsion systems. Simulation Software Proficiency: Experience with simulation tools such as MCNP and OpenMC is highly desired. Familiarity with MOOSE is also valuable. Nuclear Fuel Performance: Solid understanding of nuclear fuel performance, including the ability to model the nuclear, chemical, and mechanical effects of fuel under varying operational conditions. Create/utilize stability analysis tools to assess engine stability from ROCETS model results. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to interface successfully across multiple organizations and disciplines, ideally in a leadership or collaborative capacity. Software Integration: Strong ability to efficiently integrate disparate software systems and work comfortably in a networked environment, particularly on Linux systems and high-performance computing (HPC) platforms. Modeling & Simulation Software Development: Experience with M&S software development, including parallel processing and efficient solution algorithms, is highly desirable. Coordinate, develop, and present technical materials related to engine system performance and testing in support of design milestone reviews and anomaly investigations. Document and maintain test and data analysis processes in written work instructions. Participate in relevant trade teams. Identify and pursue resolution of issues. Identify and document customer objectives and product requirements. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

BS plus 20 years of experience, or MS plus 18 years of experience in Nuclear, Aerospace, or related engineering field from an ABET-accredited university.
Proficiency with Computational Model Validation.
Experience with radiation shielding/detection/source handling.
Excellent presentation skills.
Excellent organizational skills and time management.
Able to work in a team environment.
Must be able to provide own transportation.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with nuclear reactor startup, shutdown, cooldown, testing, and controls is highly desired. Experience with simulating these operational phases is a plus.
Experience with simulation tools such as MCNP and OpenMC is highly desired. Familiarity with MOOSE is also valuable.
Experience with M&S software development, including parallel processing and efficient solution algorithms, is highly desirable.
Proficiency with FORTRAN 90 is desirable.

Responsibilities

Expertise in Nuclear Core Multiphysics (MP) Modeling
Nuclear Reactor Operations
Nuclear Reactor Core Materials
Simulation Software Proficiency
Nuclear Fuel Performance
Create/utilize stability analysis tools to assess engine stability from ROCETS model results
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Software Integration
Modeling & Simulation Software Development
Coordinate, develop, and present technical materials related to engine system performance and testing in support of design milestone reviews and anomaly investigations.
Document and maintain test and data analysis processes in written work instructions.
Participate in relevant trade teams.
Identify and pursue resolution of issues.
Identify and document customer objectives and product requirements.
Other duties as assigned.