Space Nuclear Systems Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Huntsville, AL

2d•$90,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) is seeking an experienced Space Nuclear Systems Engineer for its Advanced Programs and Capabilities group in Huntsville, Alabama, or Denver, Colorado. The role supports NASA’s Advanced Nuclear Technologies Office under the Space Reactors Division through multidisciplinary engineering analyses of novel space nuclear systems, including fission surface power, nuclear thermal propulsion, and nuclear electric propulsion. The work may include neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, fuel-performance, engine-cycle, and mechanical analyses, as well as assessment of system performance, technical and programmatic risks, radiation environments, and technology maturation needs. Candidates selected for an interview must provide two or more references. Compensation is expected to be $90,000–$140,000, commensurate with experience and education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related field.
At least 2 years of research or related work experience in nuclear systems, engine-cycle power balancing, space mission analysis, or modeling and simulation.
Experience in computational finite-element, fuel-performance, reactor-physics, radiation-physics, thermal-hydraulic, and/or numerical analyses of novel fuel and reactor designs.
Familiarity with common reactor-design and fuel-performance metrics.
Strong skills in MATLAB, Python, and/or C++.
Technical-writing experience and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse multidisciplinary audiences.
Ability to independently communicate and interface with government customers or stakeholders.
U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency.

Nice To Haves

Graduate-level degree in Nuclear Engineering with academic research and/or 5 years of relevant professional work experience.
Previous exposure to or direct research related to advanced nuclear reactor systems for in-space applications such as FSP, NTP, and NEP, and terrestrial power generation.
Experience working with NASA, DOE, DOW, or other related government agencies.
Experience performing reactor and radiation physics calculations using MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, Geant4, SCALE, DAGMC, or equivalent.
Experience with the MOOSE framework and custom applications such as Cardinal, Bison, and Griffin.
Experience with finite-element analysis and computational fluid dynamics for compressible flow using software such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS, COMSOL, or NekRS.
Experience independently designing and implementing research projects in a nuclear- or aerospace-related field or industry.
Experience developing and implementing experimental tests related to advancing nuclear and/or aerospace technologies.
Experience with object-oriented programming, Git version control, and software architecture management.
Self-motivation, strong communication skills, and interest in working in a highly motivated team environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to establish processes and organize project tasks.

Responsibilities

Perform neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, fuel-performance, engine-cycle, or mechanical analyses of candidate nuclear propulsion system concepts.
Evaluate parametric design spaces by assessing system-level performance and technical or programmatic risks.
Independently develop and implement models to perform sensitivities related to candidate engine concept designs.
Perform steady-state and transient analyses to inform system performance and potential test objectives for an NTP or NEP demonstration.
Communicate technical data to multidisciplinary teams of engineers and project managers through presentations and technical reports.
Support assessment of radiation environments and dose-mitigation strategies for ground testing and in-space operation.
Support analyses and trades to determine technology-maturation needs for reactor components and facility development for space reactor systems.
Conduct literature reviews and document findings to support space reactor system development and programmatic planning.
Publish reports, papers, and articles on findings.