Nuclear Materials Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory seeks Nuclear Materials Engineers to push the boundaries of innovation by developing cutting-edge materials that power America's energy and national security future, from nuclear propulsion to space exploration. You'll support materials testing and characterization for multiple research programs, act as subject matter expert on thermo-mechanical processing of materials, review requirements, designs, codes, and tests, and provide production parameters to ensure consistent quality and performance. Your work includes participating in and leading technical design and testing committees to meet customer needs, providing technical solutions and positioning the organization for strategic business ventures, maintaining product configuration management and updating specifications, and procuring items according to requirements. You'll enhance teamwork to meet sponsor needs and develop customer relationships, oversee execution of assigned projects including cost, schedule, and quality assurance, and mentor peers and junior staff in technical growth.

Essential Job Functions:

• Support materials testing and characterization for multiple research programs.
• Design, plan, and execute mechanical properties testing (e.g., tensile, hardness, fracture toughness, creep, and fatigue testing) on irradiated and unirradiated nuclear materials.
• Perform microstructural characterization using techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and/or electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
• Support qualification of nuclear materials for reactor and structural applications, including code case development and technical basis documentation under relevant industry codes and standards, with contributions related to high-temperature reactor design
• Act as a subject matter expert on thermo-mechanical processing of materials.
• Review requirements, designs, codes, tests, and documentation.
• Participate in and lead technical design and testing committees to ensure development initiatives meet customer needs.
• Provide technical solutions and position the organization for strategic business ventures.
• Procure items according to Product Configuration Management requirements.
• Enhance inter-group interactions and teamwork to meet sponsor needs and develop customer relationships.
• Oversee the execution of assigned projects, including cost, schedule, environmental compliance, quality assurance, and safety.
• Mentor and support peers and junior staff in technical growth.
  
  

Required:

• Level 2: Bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 2 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Level 3: Bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 5 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program and require that applicants have U.S. citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• PhD in materials science/mechanical engineering from a program accredited by ABET.
• Proficiency in advanced manufacturing, computational methods, programming, CAD, and thermo-mechanics.
• Experience with irradiated materials testing or nuclear materials behavior
• Hands-on experience with TEM, EBSD, or advanced microstructural analysis techniques
• Familiarity with radiation damage mechanisms (e.g., swelling, embrittlement, phase transformations)
• Knowledge of ASTM standards for mechanical testing of nuclear materials
• Familiarity with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, particularly provisions related to high-temperature reactor design and code case development
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Position requires the ability to smell. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Nuclear Materials Engineer to work on our Irradiated Fuels and Materials team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.