Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Competitive salary
• Donation matching
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Wellness resources

Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

About AMPERA

AMPERA is redefining clean, energy with compact, ultra-safe nuclear systems that power AI, industry, and defense with zero emissions and unmatched reliability . Our modular micro-reactors combine the best of fusion and fission to deliver scalable, deployable, and inherently safe energy anywhere.

As a fast-growing company, AMPERA blends the agility of a startup with the ambition of a global energy innovator. Joining us means becoming part of a bold mission to revolutionize how the world generates power through advanced nuclear design, next-generation manufacturing, and system integration.

Position Overview

AMPERA is seeking an experienced Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer to perform design, modeling, and analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer within our advanced hybrid reactor systems. This role will directly contribute to the performance, safety, and efficiency of AMPERAs compact micro-reactors, working closely with teams in nuclear physics, mechanical design, and materials science.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in thermal-fluid systems , reactor cooling technologies , and multiphysics modeling , as well as an enthusiasm for pioneering next-generation nuclear energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze reactor thermal-hydraulic models using tools such as RELAP5, OpenFOAM, COMSOL, Abaqus, or STAR-CCM+ .
• Design and optimize heat transfer and fluid flow systems, including primary and secondary cooling loops.
• Evaluate performance of coolants (liquid metals, molten salts, gases) for heat removal and safety margins.
• Support the integration of Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) components and additive-manufactured thermal structures.
• Conduct transient, steady-state, and accident scenario simulations to validate reactor safety and efficiency.
• Collaborate with nuclear, mechanical, and control systems engineers to refine system design and performance.
• Prepare technical documentation, safety reports, and validation data for licensing and regulatory submissions.
• Participate in experimental testing and scaling of thermal-hydraulic systems.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 510 years of experience in thermal-hydraulics analysis, fluid dynamics, or heat transfer design.
• Proficiency with reactor analysis codes (RELAP5, TRACE, OpenMC, or equivalent).
• Experience with liquid metal or advanced coolant systems preferred.
• Familiarity with multiphase flow modeling and coupled neutronic-thermal simulations.
• Strong analytical, computational, and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility for security clearance may be required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision, STD, LTD, Life/AD&D and 401(k).
• Opportunity to pioneer advanced nuclear fuel technologies driving the next generation of clean energy.
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment that fosters technical excellence and innovation.
• Career advancement potential as AMPERA expands its fuel development and reactor manufacturing programs.