Principal/Senior Nuclear Fuels/Mechanical Engineer - Remote (45)

Principal/Senior Nuclear Fuels/Mechanical Engineer - Remote

This is a remote position.

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