The Process Engineer - Recovery and Wastesupports the design, development, and implementation of processes and systems used in the manufacture, recovery, and waste management of nuclear fuel elements and related materials. This role supports activities ranging from research and development through pilot-scale and production-scale operations, with a focus on safe, efficient, and compliant processing in regulated environments.
Responsibilities- Contribute to the design of multiple process areas.
- Lead the design of any process areas assigned to process engineer, providing guidance to less experienced process engineers. Process areas may include but are not limited to ADUN production, organic solution preparation, solution-gelation, solvent washing, particle drying, TRISO layer application, graphite matrix production, overcoating, fuel core processing, green pebble pressing, compact pressing, shaping, heat treatment, quality control, industrial waste process, radioactive waste processing and uranium recovery.
- Develop and lead implementation of advanced manufacturing processes to meet production goals and quality standards.
- Develop specifications for process equipment and work with equipment suppliers to ensure critical design characteristics are met for equipment delivery.
- Work with subcontractors and suppliers to design, construct, deliver, and install process equipment.
- Conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing. Evaluate and implement new equipment and technologies to improve process efficiency and product quality.
- Develop methods and procedures to process and handle chemicals and materials that are solid, liquid, and gaseous in safe and efficient manner.
- Design and plan equipment layout, particularly for new processes, new products, or new customers.
- Work with R&D team to translate lab-scale processes to pilot scale and production scale processes.
- Work with regulatory team to establish safety procedures for individuals working with dangerous chemicals, processes, or equipment.
- Work with regulatory team to establish appropriate safety controls in process areas.
- Work with regulatory team to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
- Provide support for waste permitting.
- Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production.
- Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes.
- Monitor variances from process controls. Provide recommendations and solutions to reduce or to eliminate variances.
- Continually update a master list of all equipment, chemical inputs, chemical outputs, and waste streams.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues.
- Mentor and train junior process engineers.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field from an ABET EAC-accredited program is required.
- 5 years of relevant work experience is preferred. Advanced degrees may be in lieu of some years of experience.
- CAD and P&ID experience are required.
- Experience with industrial equipment design, procurement, installation, and operation is required.
- Experience with Microsoft Office products.
- General understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle is preferred.
- General knowledge and experience with powder processing, graphite powder, extrusion, ceramics, chemical processing, industrial waste processing, and liquids processing is preferred.
- Ability to work in a team to produce desired outputs in short turnaround times.
- Must be willing to work with hazardous materials such as low enriched uranium, nitric acid, and phenolic resin.
- U.S. Citizenship Required.
Benefits:All eligible employees enjoy an excellent benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, short/long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off including holidays, and tuition reimbursement.
