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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