The R&D Thermal Hydraulics Technical Lead, reporting to the R&D Director, is primarily responsible for leading the design, execution, and analysis of thermal-hydraulic experiments. Responsible for both hands-on experimental work and building and managing a team of engineers to carry out testing, analyze data, and provide valuable insights to improve system performance. The role combines deep technical expertise in thermal hydraulics with the leadership and project management skills needed to drive successful R&D outcomes.

Other responsibilities include:

Design and Execute Thermal Hydraulic Tests: Lead the development and execution of thermal hydraulics tests, ensuring test designs and setups meet experimental objectives. Oversee the creation of detailed test matrices and ensure successful execution of experiments to gather reliable data.

Test Data Analysis & Reporting: Guide the collection, processing, and in-depth analysis of test data. Collaborate with R&D Data Scientists to improve simulation models based on experimental findings. Present results, assumptions, risks, and proposed solutions to the R&D Director.

Provision of Subject Matter Expertise: Provide expert advice on the development of thermal hydraulics test plans and experimental methodologies. Review and interpret internal and external documents related to test identification, design development, and experimental activities.

CFD Simulations and Optimization: Prepare meshes for 2D and 3D CFD models for various geometries, perform steady-state and transient simulations, and conduct sensitivity analyses and optimization studies to support experimental designs.

Scaling and Experimental Setup Design: Perform scaling analyses and evaluate scaling distortions to ensure the validity of experimental test setups. Identify sensor locations and instrumentation requirements and guide the development of test equipment and system configurations.

Leadership & Team Management: Build and lead a team of test engineers, providing hands-on guidance throughout the testing process, troubleshooting, and ensuring efficient team collaboration. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with the R&D Project Coordinator to maintain and update test schedules and project status. Collaborate with the TEI Engineering team to support design development and optimize test setups.

Presentations and Documentation: Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for internal stakeholders, including test results, assumptions, risks, and constraints. Present proposals for future testing paths based on experimental findings.

Innovation and Improvement: Contribute to the development of new test methodologies, tools, and technologies to enhance testing capabilities. Ensure ongoing improvements in experimental design, analysis techniques, and the efficiency of test execution.

Core Competencies

• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
• Fluid Dynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Experimental Design & Data Analysis
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Decision Making and Results Orientation
• Leadership and Team Development
• Communication (written and verbal)
• Adaptability and Flexibility

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in science, engineering or related field (preference to fluid flow and heat transfer fields);
• A minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in a research laboratory or R&D environment, with a focus on thermal hydraulic design and analysis, particularly within the power industry.
• Extensive CFD experience using tools such as ANSYS Fluent and system-level thermal-hydraulic codes like Flownex.
• Proven track record in experimental design, test rig development, and data analysis from thermal hydraulic loop tests.
• Experience leading and mentoring technical teams, ensuring project delivery and meeting milestones.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals, with practical experience in the design, execution, and analysis of complex tests.
• Experience with experimental design and the application of statistics/data analysis for experimental evaluation.
• Familiarity with the working principles of pumps, heat exchangers, and other thermal hydraulic equipment.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and deadlines, while maintaining a high standard of work.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster strong relationships across teams and with external stakeholders.

Assets

• Familiarity with simulation software for thermal-hydraulic analysis, in addition to CFD tools.
• Knowledge of molten salt nuclear reactor working principles
• Experience in industries such as nuclear, energy, or aerospace, where thermal-hydraulic testing plays a critical role

Benefits

• Extended Healthcare Plan
• A vacation policy designed to support your work-life balance
• EAP Programs available to you and your family
• Wellness Subsidy
• Annual Performance Review
• Paid Volunteer Days - A chance to give back!
• Career development opportunities

Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in USA without the need for sponsorship for employment visa status.