Space Nuclear Propulsion Engine Systems Analyst

Space Nuclear Propulsion Engine Systems Analyst

This position supports the Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) program at NASA aimed at maturing the technology for nuclear rocket engines. The engineer will work both independently at times and in an integrated team performing engine systems and system engineering-related activities of the nuclear rocket engine project.

As a key member of the SNP team, primary duties will include:

• Expertise in Nuclear Core Multiphysics (MP) Modeling:
  Experience with the physics involved in nuclear core dynamics, including heat transfer, fluid mechanics, structures, and nuclear engineering. Proficiency in at least one of these areas, with a strong focus on nuclear engineering, is essential.
• Nuclear Reactor Operations:
  Familiarity with nuclear reactor startup, shutdown, cooldown, testing, and controls is highly desired. Experience with simulating these operational phases is a plus.
• Nuclear Reactor Core Materials:
  Understanding of the materials and nuclear properties of nuclear reactor cores, particularly those used in nuclear thermal propulsion systems.
• Simulation Software Proficiency:
  Experience with simulation tools such as MCNP and OpenMC is highly desired. Familiarity with MOOSE is also valuable.
• Nuclear Fuel Performance:
  Solid understanding of nuclear fuel performance, including the ability to model the nuclear, chemical, and mechanical effects of fuel under varying operational conditions.
• Create/utilize stability analysis tools to assess engine stability from ROCETS model results.
• Cross-Disciplinary
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Proven ability to interface successfully across multiple organizations and disciplines, ideally in a leadership or collaborative capacity.
• Software Integration:
  Strong ability to efficiently integrate disparate software systems and work comfortably in a networked environment, particularly on Linux systems and high-performance computing (HPC) platforms.
• Modeling & Simulation Software Development:
  Experience with M&S software development, including parallel processing and efficient solution algorithms, is highly desirable.
• Coordinate, develop, and present technical materials related to engine system performance and testing in support of design milestone reviews and anomaly investigations.
• Document and maintain test and data analysis processes in written work instructions.
• Participate in relevant trade teams. Identify and pursue resolution of issues.
• Identify and document customer objectives and product requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• BS plus 20 years of experience, or MS plus 18 years of experience in Nuclear, Aerospace, or related engineering field from an ABET-accredited university.
• Proficiency with Computational Model Validation.
• Experience with radiation shielding/detection/source handling.
• Proficiency with FORTRAN 90 is desirable.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and time management.
• Able to work in a team environment.
• Must be able to provide own transportation.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Essential Functions

Work Environment:
Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (5%). Requires ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (100%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%).

Equipment and Machines:

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance:

Normal workday 7:30-4:30, Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity, and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other

Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and…