Nuclear Engineer

Job Description

The Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a well-qualified researcher focused on thin film deposition and characterization. This position will be part of the Tritium and Fusion Materials department but will work with many different groups. The researcher will work with magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and chemical vapor deposition systems for creating thin films. The candidate will also characterize thin films using SEM, EBSD, XRD, profilometry, and ellipsometry. The candidate should be very familiar with ultra-high vacuum technology and practices, with hand-on approach to troubleshooting such systems. The researcher will also operate hydrogen permeation test apparatuses.


Beyond experimental research, the researcher will be responsible for documenting results, contributing toward presentations and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, mentorship of students, and contribution to proposal development will also be expected.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop experimental requirements or packaging and handling requirements for spent nuclear fuel.
• Apply advanced nuclear engineering design principles, theories, and concepts.
• Use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs.
• Document designs to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
• Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
• Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement align with design specifications.
• Perform integrated analyses to meet experimental, storage, transportation, disposal, and facility safety requirements.
• Defend analytical methods and results in reviews.
• Support project/program interactions with sponsors, operations, and engineering organizations.
• Develop and improve physics-based mathematical models and analysis methods.
• Prepare reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Represent programs through technical presentations and at conferences.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Perform analyses of irradiation experiments and conduct research supporting nuclear processes.
• Support transformational fuel qualification efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Understanding of chemical composition, structure, properties, and processes.
• Capable of finding solutions to achieve desired experimental outcomes.
• Apply general rules to specific problems.
• Combine pieces of information to form conclusions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Required:

• Level 2: Advanced degree in Materials science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Level 3: Advanced degree in Materials science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET, and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Previous hands-on experience with at least one of the following: magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition.
• Significant hand-on experience with ultra-high vacuum technology.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience in nuclear fuels and materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, core design, and analysis tools/methods.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Engineer to work on our Tritium and Fusion Materials team. This position will work a 9x80 schedule located out of the Energy Innovation Laboratory on our Idaho Falls campus with every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

About Us

Benefits and Relocation

• 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
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.