Position Overview:

As an R&D Nuclear Engineer specializing in Computational Materials, you'll serve as a senior technical authority focused on advancing high-fidelity, multiphysics simulations that underpin the design, qualification, and optimization of nuclear fuel systems. This role integrates deep expertise in materials science, thermomechanical behavior, chemical interaction modeling, and nuclear fuel phenomena with sophisticated computational model development. The engineer will lead the creation, improvement, and application of fuel performance models within BWXT's fuel performance code suites and other high-fidelity simulation tools. Core responsibilities include designing robust computational workflows, developing physics-based material models, enhancing code capabilities, and driving innovation to support next-generation nuclear fuel concepts.

Location:

Remote or on-site at the BWXT Innovation Campus site in Lynchburg, VA.

Your Day to Day as a R&D Nuclear Engineer - Computational Materials:

• Lead development and application of advanced multiphysics models for nuclear fuel performance, including thermal, mechanical, chemical, and irradiation-driven phenomena.
• Develop and implement constitutive models describing fuel material behavior, microstructural evolution, degradation mechanisms, and coupled thermo-mechanical-chemical interactions.
• Conduct high-fidelity analyses of nuclear fuel systems under normal operating, transient, and off-normal conditions.
• Guide verification, validation, benchmarking, and uncertainty quantification for modeling tools, with emphasis on fuel performance predictions.
• Build and refine scalable computational methodologies suitable for high-performance computing environments.
• Collaborate with materials scientists, fuel performance engineers, and software developers to integrate modeling capabilities across simulation workflows.
• Prepare rigorous technical documentation, research reports, and contributions to regulatory, customer, and R&D deliverables.
• Mentor junior staff and provide strategic input on long-term modeling and simulation initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required; an advanced degree may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with multiphysics modeling, finite element analysis, or computational materials science tools.
• In depth experience and understanding of nuclear fuel materials behavior, including thermo-mechanical response, irradiation effects, and chemical interactions.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages and engineering computation (FORTRAN, Python, C, C++, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a history of impactful technical contributions.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough experience using MOOSE/BISON or similar multiphysics nuclear fuel performance codes.
• In depth experience with oxide, nitride, carbide (UO₂, UN, UC), metallic (U-Zr, U-Pu-Zr, U-Mo), and advanced fuel concepts (TRISO, ATF coatings, SiC cladding, composite systems).
• Direct experience developing within the MOOSE framework and customizing BISON-based applications.
• Experience leading software development projects in scientific or multiphysics environments.
• Experience with HPC environments, parallel computing, and performance optimization.
• Ability to design and execute R&D experiments or modeling campaigns to test new fuel concepts or material behaviors.
• Experience with verification, validation, sensitivity studies and uncertainty quantification method development associated with fuel qualification.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $99,410.00 - $157,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $99,410.00 and $157,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.