Position Overview:

The R&D Nuclear Fuel Performance Engineer will support the design, analysis, and optimization of nuclear fuel systems by leveraging advanced multiphysics computational tools such as INL's MOOSE/BISON. The role involves developing BWXT's fuel performance code set(s) predictive capabilities in evaluating fuel behavior under normal and off-normal conditions, and contributing to the engineering basis for licensing, fabrication, and operational decision-making. This position requires strong technical proficiency, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams in materials engineering, reactor physics, and thermal-hydraulics.

Location:

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

Your Day to Day as an R&D Nuclear Engineer - Fuel Performance:

• Execute detailed fuel performance simulations using MOOSE/BISON and related frameworks to evaluate thermo-mechanical response, fission gas behavior, cladding deformation, and irradiation-driven material evolution.
• Support R&D-driven fuel design activities by integrating experimental data, advanced material models, and irradiation physics into engineering decisions.
• Develop and refine constitutive models for fuel and cladding materials, including creep, plasticity, swelling, phase transformations, and high-temperature mechanical behavior.
• Analyze irradiation test results, PIE datasets, microstructural characterization, and thermophysical measurements to calibrate, validate, and improve fuel performance codes.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of new fuel forms (e.g., ATF concepts, metallic fuels, composite claddings, advanced ceramics).
• Collaborate closely with reactor physicists, thermohydraulic analysts, materials scientists, fabrication engineers, and licensing specialists.
• Prepare technical analyses, R&D reports, and simulation documentation for internal use and regulatory interfaces.
• Maintain high-quality modeling workflows and support verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification activities.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience is required; an advanced degree may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-physics modeling, finite element analysis, or computational materials science tools.
• Experience and understanding of nuclear fuel behavior under irradiation (thermal, mechanical, and microstructural phenomena).
• 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.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to clearly communicate technical findings.
• 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:

• Master's degree +4 years or Ph.D degree +2 years of experience in Nuclear Engineering, Material Science, Physics or related field.
• In-depth experience using INL MOOSE/BISON or similar multiphysics nuclear fuel performance codes.
• In-depth experience with oxide, nitride, carbide (UO₂, UN, UC), metallic (U-Zr, U-Mo), and advanced fuel concepts (TRISO, ATF coatings, SiC cladding, composite systems).
• Knowledge of reactor physics, fuel cycle engineering, or regulatory frameworks (NRC, DOE).
• 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: $79,000.00 - $119,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $79,000.00 and $119,000.00 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.