System Engineer I

Plant Systems Engineer – Nuclear Operations Salary: $86,000 – $108,000 depending on experience Location: Portsmouth, OH DUF6 Conversion Project Schedule: Full-Time | Exempt Work on One of the Most Unique Engineering Missions in the Country The Depleted Uranium Hexafluoride (DUF6) Conversion Project, operated for the U.S. Department of Energy, is responsible for converting thousands of cylinders of legacy uranium hexafluoride into stable materials suitable for long-term storage and beneficial reuse. This is large-scale industrial engineering in a nuclear environment, where plant systems, process reliability, and safety engineering intersect every day. Engineers on this project support complex operational systems used in chemical conversion, material handling, industrial ventilation, thermal processing, and plant control systems. For engineers who enjoy working on challenging industrial systems and solving real operational problems, this role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to one of the Department of Energy’s most significant environmental cleanup missions. Why Engineers Choose the DUF6 Project Engineers here gain hands‑on experience with complex industrial systems that are rarely seen outside the nuclear sector. You will work with: Chemical processing and conversion systems Large-scale thermal treatment equipment Mechanical and electrical plant systems Industrial ventilation and filtration systems Process automation and control systems Nuclear safety systems and engineered safety controls This role provides direct involvement with plant operations, system configuration management, reliability improvement, and nuclear safety integration. Engineers frequently become the technical authority for major plant systems, working closely with operations leadership, maintenance teams, and nuclear safety professionals. Position Overview Under limited supervision, the Plant Systems Engineer performs engineering and technical work supporting safe and reliable plant operations at the DUF6 conversion facility. The engineer is responsible for maintaining system configuration, ensuring operational readiness, supporting plant troubleshooting, and coordinating system improvements for assigned systems, structures, and components (SSCs). This position serves as a key technical interface between engineering, operations, maintenance, and nuclear safety teams. Key Responsibilities Assists with defining required surveillances, including performance frequency and required start date, in conjunction with the Nuclear Safety Manager Maintains training and qualifications on assigned systems Aids in identifying, managing, and controlling the safety bases and configuration of assigned systems, structures, and components (SSCs) Supports review and approval of work on assigned systems Utilizes a graded approach in system and component design Ensures continued operational readiness of assigned systems Contributes to the planning, development, and coordination of implementation of design changes Identifies and implements improvements/modifications as necessary Establishes a list of potential suppliers of parts, and a spare parts minimum/maximum inventory for SSCs in assigned systems Tracks and trends equipment failures for assigned systems Assists in determination of critical design characteristics (CDCs) of equipment in assigned systems Interfaces with operations management and provides periodic reports on the effectiveness of the maintenance program Interfaces with other disciplines, site personnel, and/or external organizations to meet project requirements Assists with system/component troubleshooting Provides technical support to control room operations and plant operations Serves as a Subject-Matter Expert (SME) for system operation. Engineers from Adjacent Industries Are Encouraged to Apply Nuclear experience is valuable, but engineers from other complex industrial environments often transition successfully into this role. Engineers with experience in the following industries frequently succeed on this project: Chemical processing plants Petrochemical or refinery operations Large manufacturing facilities Industrial utilities or process plants Highly regulated industrial environments Experience supporting plant operations, system troubleshooting, reliability engineering, maintenance coordination, or industrial process systems is highly transferable. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering discipline or related science or equivalent 2+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required 1+ years of nuclear experience We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr