The Nuclear Science and Engineering Division is seeking a highly motivated thermal hydraulics engineer to join the Research and Test Reactor Department (www.anl.gov/nse/research-and-test-reactors) to support reactor analysis and software development. The individual’s work will support reactor design programs with nuclear nonproliferation missions, including the conversion of existing research reactors to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuels and proliferation resistance optimization during the design and deployment of new research reactors. Further, the individual will support the development of the thermal hydraulics software (PLTEMP/ANL and PARET/ANL) for reactor design and safety performance analyses of research reactors in the U.S. and around the world. Key areas of work to support regulatory licensing efforts include predicting reactor performance and safety characteristics, analyzing experimental results, performing alternative simulations, and developing and validating software. The individual will document and prepare reports, presentations, and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with other staff at Argonne as well as external institutions and other national laboratories.  

Position Requirements

• Knowledge of nuclear engineering principles, theories, and practices for the design and analysis of reactor systems.

• Knowledge of fluid flow and heat transfer of nuclear system applications and reactor safety analyses.

• Knowledge of steady-state thermal design and performance analysis of engineering systems.

• Experience performing thermal-hydraulic analyses including reactor transient and accident analyses (e.g., using system codes like RELAP5 or TRACE).

• Experience in computer programming for scientific and engineering applications; Fortran knowledge is preferred.

• Knowledge of scripting and task automation with modern tools, including Python.

• Skill in the conception, design, and evaluation of innovative approaches and solutions to quantitative problems.

• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication.

• Ability to work on a team and integrate work with other multi-disciplinary analyses.

• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or Permanent Residency, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. Illegal drug testing as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 and a background investigation will be required prior to employment.

Since thermal hydraulics is an essential topic within many engineering fields, the specific field of engineering studied by the successful candidate might include nuclear, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a related field. The selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD2 or RD3) depending upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience brought to the position. The requirements for the desired levels are as follows:

• RD2 Level: Bachelor’s and 5+ years; Master’s and 3+ years; Doctorate and 0+ years, or equivalent.

• RD3 Level: Bachelor’s and 8+ years; Master’s and 5+ years; Doctorate and 4+ years, or equivalent

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne’s Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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