Nuclear Fuel/Mechanical Engineer (Finite Element Analysis) - Remote
At Lightbridge, we’re pioneering advanced nuclear fuel technology that’s designed to make reactors safer, more efficient, and more responsive to global energy needs. Our mission is bold—and we’re looking for equally bold thinkers to help us bring it to life. If you’re inspired to apply your engineering expertise to make real-world impact, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy.
About the Role: Nuclear Fuel Mechanical Engineer (FEA)
As a Nuclear Fuel Mechanical Engineer focused on nuclear fuel thermo-mechanical performance, you’ll play a critical role in advancing Lightbridge’s cutting-edge fuel technology. Your work will directly impact the safety, performance, and regulatory readiness of our fuel assemblies—bringing real value to the future of nuclear energy.
What You’ll Do
- Performing simulations & analyses to optimize and predict performance of Lightbridge Fuel design for various reactor types for various fuel cycle objectives (e.g. improved safety margins, burnup extension, power uprates, load-follow operation, waste volume reduction).
- Developing, implementing, and benchmarking methods and models in fuel performance codes.
- Performing calculations and simulations to inform design, execution, and analysis of in-pile and out-of-pile experiments and other analyses performed by partner organizations.
- Performing independent reviews of fuel performance and finite element method (FEM) simulations and analyses performed by other Lightbridge staff or partner organizations, as necessary.
- Working collaboratively with other Lightbridge staff to determine engineering approach to simulations/analyses necessary to support development and licensing of Lightbridge Fuel.
- Documenting simulations and analysis in engineering reports.
- Reporting results of selected simulations/analyses in peer-reviewed or popular publications.
- Contributing to reports to support regulatory submittals of Lightbridge Fuel.
Who You Are
- Principle Engineer: BS in Nuclear Engineering + 14 years of relevant experience, or MS + 12 years, or PhD + 10 years of relevant experience
- Senior Engineer: BS in Nuclear Engineering + 5 years of relevant experience, or MS + 4 years, or PhD + 3 years of relevant experience
- Proficient in modeling and simulation using at least one of the modes/frameworks: BISON/MOOSE, ABAQUS, ANSYS, DEFORM, SOLIDWORKS.
- Skilled in both implicit and explicit FEM codes; multiple frameworks is preferred
- Experience developing thermal-mechanical simulations to support fuel performance analysis and core reloads
- Working knowledge of neutronics, core design, fuel performance, and/or seismic analysis
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance bonuses including cash and equity awards
- Remote work culture with potential travel
- 100% company-paid health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with 100% company match
- Generous Time Off and Family Care
- Up to 32 hours per years of professional development course fees covered
Ready to help qualify and license the next generation of nuclear fuel? Join Lightbridge and be part of something extraordinary.
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience, and salary expectations to careers@ltbridge.com.
Resumes from third-party vendors will not be accepted.
About Lightbridge:
Lightbridge is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, an advanced metallic nuclear fuel for use in water-cooled reactors, including in the existing fleet of Nuclear Power Plants and in future water-cooled Small Modular Reactors.
Lightbridge Fuel consists of a metallic uranium-zirconium alloy fuel core and zirconium-alloy cladding which are co-extruded to form monolithic metallic fuel rods with a multi-lobed and helically twisted geometry. The design of Lightbridge Fuel gives it inherently superior technical performance in several key areas as compared to conventional commercial nuclear fuel, including lower fuel operating temperatures, enhanced coolability, and a more robust mechanical design. Lightbridge Fuel simultaneously offers improvements in safety, fuel performance, operational flexibility, power plant economics, and proliferation resistance.
Lightbridge has entered into two long-term framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, the United States Department of Energy’s operating contractor for Idaho National Laboratory, the United States' lead nuclear energy research and development laboratory. DOE’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program has twice awarded Lightbridge to support the development of Lightbridge Fuel over the past several years. Lightbridge is participating in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University. An extensive worldwide patent portfolio backs Lightbridge’s innovative fuel technology.
Lightbridge Corporation is a publicly traded company headquartered in Reston, Virginia, and is included in the Russell 2000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index. For more information, please visit www.ltbridge.com.
Lightbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Apply Now
Please fill out the form below to submit your application.