Nuclear Fuel Development Engineer
Seattle, WA – Fully Onsite
Position Summary:
In this role you'll contribute to the design and analysis of advanced nuclear fuels. This role requires a strong understanding of fuel performance modeling, thermo‑mechanical analysis, and the behavior of materials under irradiation conditions, ideally with experience in fast‑neutron reactor technology. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing and optimizing fuel designs to ensure safety, performance, and reliability.
Responsibilities:
Fuel Performance Modeling: Develop and utilize fuel performance codes to predict fuel behavior under various operating conditions.
Thermo‑mechanical Analysis: Conduct thermo‑mechanical analyses of fuel rods and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA) software.
Code Development & Validation: Contribute to the development and validation of fuel performance codes and methodologies.
Material Behavior Analysis: Analyze the behavior of nuclear fuels and structural materials under irradiation, considering factors such as creep, swelling, and fission gas release.
Design & Analysis: Participate in the design and analysis of nuclear fuel, including fuel rod design, assembly design, and core design activities.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that fuel designs and analyses meet regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., NQA‑1, ASME B&PV, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B).
Technical Documentation: Prepare technical reports, presentations, and design documentation to communicate analysis results and design recommendations.
Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with other engineers and scientists within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Requirements:
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in fuel performance modeling, thermo‑mechanical analysis, or a related field within the nuclear industry.
Strong understanding of finite element methods, heat transfer, solid mechanics, non‑linear visco‑elastic material behavior, and irradiation effects on materials.
Proficiency in FEA software such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, COMSOL, or MOOSE. Experience with programming languages like Python and FORTRAN.
Experience with executing nuclear fuel design and analysis methodologies, ideally with a focus on fast‑neutron reactors.
Familiarity with nuclear quality assurance standards (e.g., NQA‑1), ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and relevant NRC regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 50 Appendix B).
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