Principal/Senior Nuclear Fuels/Mechanical Engineer - Remote
About the Role
This is a multilevel, full-time remote role for a Principal/Senior Nuclear Fuels/Mechanical Engineer. The Nuclear/Mechanical Engineer will perform fuel performance simulations related to rods and assembly level, assembly level conceptual design, extrusion simulations to model fabrication processes, and/or code development for fuel performance applications and Lightbridge Fuel. This work will be used in various types of water-cooled reactors, in support of qualifying and licensing Lightbridge Fuel.
Key Responsibilities
- Performing simulations & analyses to optimize the 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 code, methods, and models of fuel performance codes and benchmarking these simulations.
- 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.
- Mentor junior staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- Principal:
- BS Degree in Nuclear Engineering or closely related field + 14 years relevant experience, or MS Degree in Nuclear Engineering or closely related field + 12 years relevant experience, or PhD in Nuclear Engineering or closely related field + 10 years relevant experience. For exceptional candidates, fewer years of relevant work experience will be considered.
- Senior:
- BS and 5+ years, MS and 4+ years, or PhD Degree and 3+ years relevant work experience in the areas of nuclear or mechanical engineering. For exceptional candidates, fewer years of relevant work experience will be considered.
- Extensive experience with modelling and simulation using at least one of the codes/frameworks: BISON/MOOSE, ABAQUS, ANSYS, DEFORM, SOLIDWORKS. Experience in both implicit and explicit FEM codes is preferred; multiple frameworks are excellent.
- Working 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 and from across these areas.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to pass background check and pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to access US National Labs and other relevant facilities where Lightbridge projects are conducted.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of reactor physics, mechanical design, and nuclear fuel design.
- Experience in the area of metallic nuclear fuels, especially U-Zr and materials science, is advantageous.
- Familiarity with ASME Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) requirements.
- Experience with fabrication processes is advantageous.
- Development experience for subroutines and code objects to interact with FEM codes is excellent.
- Experience working closely with industry, national laboratories, and nuclear regulators is advantageous.
- Experience designing nuclear assemblies for PWRs/BWRs.
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 year of professional development course fees covered
Apply Now
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