Thermal Hydraulics Analyst

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

3d • $79,344 - $195,288 • Hybrid

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a technically skilled and motivated Thermal-Hydraulic Analyst to join the Reactor Systems and Heat Transport Department. This multi-level position focuses on analysis and modeling of nuclear reactor systems using RELAP5-3D coupled with multiphysics computational tools, supporting the evaluation of reactor performance, safety margins, and experimental systems. The successful candidate will perform thermal-hydraulic analyses of reactor systems and experiments, develop RELAP5-3D models from design specifications, and conduct steady-state and transient simulations to evaluate system behavior under operational and accident conditions. Analyses will support advanced reactor technologies, including high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), sodium fast reactors (SFRs), and molten salt reactor systems (MSRs), as well as experimental test facilities and reactor system configurations relevant to DOE programs. The position also contributes to improving the predictive capability, validation basis, and usability of RELAP5-3D for advanced reactor applications.

Requirements

• Level 2: Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and 2 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear.
• Level 3: Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and 5 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and 2 years of relevant experience.
• This position is subject to export control restrictions per the Department of Energy. For this reason, you must be either a US Citizen or a US Green Card holder to qualify for the job.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field relevant to nuclear.
• Experience in nuclear fuels and materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, core design, and analysis tools/methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain RELAP5-3D system models representing reactor systems, experimental facilities, and thermal-hydraulic test configurations.
• Perform steady-state and transient analyses to evaluate reactor performance, operational behavior, and safety margins.
• Conduct thermal-hydraulic analyses of advanced reactor concepts, including HTGR, SFR, and MSR technologies.
• Interpret simulation results to identify key physical phenomena, system sensitivities, and modeling limitations.
• Support verification and validation (V&V) activities by comparing simulation results with experimental data, benchmark problems, and analytical solutions.
• Contribute to benchmark models and validation cases for the RELAP5-3D V&V test suite.
• Prepare technical reports, analysis documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and program sponsors.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package

What This Job Offers

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