Space Nuclear Systems Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) is hiring an experienced Space Nuclear Systems Engineer for its Denver, Colorado, or Huntsville, Alabama, location, within the Advanced Programs and Capabilities group. The engineer will conduct multidisciplinary analyses of novel space nuclear designs—including fission surface power (FSP), nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems—in support of NASA’s Advanced Nuclear Technologies Office under the Space Reactors Division. Work may include neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, fuel-performance, engine-cycle, or mechanical analyses, along with assessment of system performance, technical and programmatic risks, radiation environments, and technology maturation needs. The position also involves communicating findings through technical presentations, reports, papers, and articles. Compensation is expected to be $90,000–$140,000, commensurate with experience and education. Candidates selected for an interview must provide at least two references. AMA is a small business headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, with operations in multiple locations. It provides aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA describes its work environment as engaging, collaborative, and supportive, and emphasizes employee professional growth. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 numeric 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 the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse multidisciplinary audience.
Ability to independently communicate with 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.
Exposure to or direct research related to advanced nuclear reactor systems for in-space applications, such as FSP, NTP, or 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 tools.
Experience with the MOOSE framework and custom applications such as Cardinal, Bison, or 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 to advance nuclear and/or aerospace technologies.
Experience with object-oriented programming, Git version control, and software architecture management.
Self-motivation, good communication skills, and interest in working in a highly motivated team environment.
Strong organizational skills, including the 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 sensitivity analyses for candidate engine concept designs.
Perform steady-state and transient analyses to inform system performance and potential test objectives for NTP or NEP demonstrations.
Communicate technical data to multidisciplinary engineering teams 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 trade studies to determine technology-maturation needs for reactor components and facility development.
Conduct literature reviews and prepare documentation supporting space reactor system development and programmatic planning.
Publish reports, papers, and articles describing findings.