Argonne National Laboratory

Principal Nuclear Engineer

Argonne National Laboratory$116K — $181K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
  • Understanding of nuclear engineering principles and reactor system design.
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international nuclear policies, especially regarding nonproliferation.
  • Background in nuclear fuel cycle management and radiation detection.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
  • Demonstrated time management and organizational skills for handling multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex technical problems.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze advanced nuclear technologies and reactor designs from technical and policy perspectives.
  • Contribute ideas for research on nuclear nonproliferation and security for advanced reactor systems.
  • Lead multiple projects involving interdisciplinary teams.
  • Document analysis results in reports for stakeholders and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Maintain updated knowledge of relevant literature and practices in the field.
  • Develop proposals for new research initiatives.
  • Effectively communicate project findings through presentations and reports.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness plans.
  • Retirement savings options with employer contributions.
  • Professional development and training opportunities.
  • Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
  • Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.
Full Job Description
The Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) Division, in collaboration with the Strategic Security Sciences (SSS) Division, is seeking a highly motivated Nuclear Engineer with a focus on nuclear reactor security and safeguards to contribute to several exciting advanced nuclear reactor projects.

The position will support the Licensing and Risk Assessments Group within the NSE division as well as international nuclear security and safeguards work in the Nonproliferation Innovation Group in the SSS division.

A well-qualified candidate may be able to support a range of activities, including:
  • Analyzing innovative and advanced nuclear technologies, reactor designs, and fuel cycle design concepts from both technical and policy perspectives;
  • Leveraging knowledge/experience in (non-exclusively) nonproliferation, international safeguards, nuclear security, proliferation resistance, radiation detection, reactor physics, and waste management;
  • Contribute fresh ideas for engagement and research around nuclear nonproliferation and security with an eye to developing and future deployed advanced reactor systems and affiliated nuclear technologies;
  • Lead projects and tasks involving multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Analyze data and document results in the form of monthly reports, progress reports to sponsors, and technical publications and presentations; prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications, attend and make presentations at scientific meetings.
  • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of pertinent literature.
  • Develop new ideas, concepts, and/or research proposals to contribute to programmatic growth.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and the Laboratory community through research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
  • Collaborate well in collegial environment with respect towards other collaborator regardless of background, age, sex, gender, education, etc.


This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
  • To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, and will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
  • Knowledge of nuclear engineering principles, theories, and practices for the design and analysis of reactor systems.
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international nuclear policies, with a focus on nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear security, nuclear energy development, nuclear fuel cycle management, nuclear safeguards, and nuclear export controls.
  • Applicable understanding of science and engineering principles associated with the nuclear fuel cycle, radiological security, or other related technical areas such as nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, chemistry, and/or physics.
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of people and job functions.
  • Skill in organizational and time management, with careful attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple stakeholders and priorities and experience working independently under time constraints to meet critical deadlines.
  • Skill in the conception, design, and evaluation of innovative approaches and solutions to quantitative problems.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
  • Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.


Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Advanced technical degree in a related area with knowledge/experience working in international or domestic policy development and implementation (i.e., direct work for the USG: NNSA, DOE-NE, DOS, or NRC).


This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD3 or RD4) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:
  • RD3: Bachelor's and 4+ years of experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350.
  • RD4: Bachelor's and 6+ years of experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $138,000 - $215,280.


  • For RD3 level, candidate is expected to be able to:
    • Apply extensive technical expertise in a broad field of knowledge and has full theoretical grasp of related principles
    • Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular use of ingenuity and creativity
    • Provide independent contributions to a wide array of projects/programs leveraging knowledge and experience for colleagues and teammates
    • May have R&D project leadership responsibilities
    • Interacts with senior external personnel as an arbiter of accurate information
  • For RD4 level, candidate is expected to be able to:
    • Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in their field
    • Initiate and develop innovative solutions to complex technical problems
    • Work under consultative direction toward long range goals and objectives (primarily self-initiated)
    • Lead R&D project/program teams to meet and anticipate sponsor needs
    • Act as advisor to management and customers on advanced technical research studies


Job Family
Research Development (RD)

Job Profile
Nuclear/Reactor Engineering 3

Worker Type
Regular

Time Type
Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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About Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory is a science and engineering research national laboratory operated by the University of Chicago Argonne LLC for the United States Department of Energy. It is located in Lemont, Illinois, outside of Chicago. Argonne conducts research in a variety of fields, including energy, environment, national security, and technology. The laboratory was founded in 1946 as part of the Manhattan Project and has since become one of the largest science and engineering research laboratories in the United States.
Learn more about Argonne National Laboratory
Size
3,400 employees
Industry
Founded
1946

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