Fuel Performance Modeling Analyst

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Fuel Performance Modeling Analyst to work on our Fuel Development, Performance, and Qualification Department within the Nuclear Science and Technology Directorate. The successful candidate will perform advanced modeling and simulation activities focused on nuclear fuel performance, particularly supporting the integration of experimental and post-irradiation examination (PIE) data with predictive computational tools.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our EROB facility with every other Friday off.

This position will contribute to the development, application, and validation of fuel performance models using BISON, RELAP5-3D, and similar simulation codes (SAS4A/SASSYS-1, MFUEL, FAST) to evaluate steady-state and transient behavior of nuclear fuels. The candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers across INL to provide modeling support for experiments in INL's test reactors, contributing to both experiment design and data interpretation.

The selected individual will play a key role in the integration of multi-physics fuel modeling with thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions, collaborating with thermal-fluids and reactor systems experts. Over time, this position offers the opportunity to grow into a technical and/or project leadership role, guiding multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct fuel performance modeling and simulation using finite-element methods and including tools such as BISON, RELAP5-3D, and other similar or complementary codes.
• Support the design and analysis of fuel irradiation experiments and transient testing by providing predictive modeling and post-test evaluation.
• Develop, calibrate, and validate material and physical models using PIE and experimental data from INL test reactors.
• Integrate thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions with fuel performance models to ensure high-fidelity representation of in-reactor conditions.
• Perform sensitivity and uncertainty quantification to assess model confidence and guide future experimental efforts.
• Collaborate across INL's reactor operations, PIE, and modeling groups to advance fuel qualification efforts for various reactor types.
• Contribute to technical reports, journal articles, and conference presentations.
• Pursue new research directions and potential funding opportunities in nuclear fuel modeling and simulation.
• Demonstrate potential for leadership in project management, mentoring, and technical direction.

Minimum Requirements:

• Level 3: Master's Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related ABET accredited field and 2 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related ABET accredited field and 2 years relevant experience of experience.
• Level 4: Master's Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related ABET accredited field and 6 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related ABET accredited field and 4 years relevant experience of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with fuel performance codes and/or thermal-hydraulics codes (RELAP5-3D or similar).
• Strong background in finite element modeling, heat transfer, solid mechanics, and materials behavior under irradiation.
• Proven ability to work effectively in collaborative, multi-disciplinary research environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a record of technical publications or presentations.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience with finite element codes and programming.
• Experience with coupled multi-physics simulations involving fuel performance and thermal-hydraulics (and neutronics).
• Familiarity with transient testing and/or metallic fuels.
• Working knowledge of PIE data interpretation and experiment-informed model calibration.
• Understanding of code development practices, verification and validation (V&V), and uncertainty quantification.
• Demonstrated initiative toward leadership and mentoring roles.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($93,204 - $191,284) / Level 4 ($111,888 - $229,284). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.