Molten Salt Systems Engineer​/Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Reactor Technology (NRT) Division is seeking a highly motivated Molten Salt Systems Engineer/Scientist to support research, development, qualification, and deployment of molten salt technologies for advanced reactor systems, including chloride and fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) and other molten salt-based concepts. This position integrates molten salt chemistry, materials science, thermal-hydraulics, and high-temperature systems engineering to support reactor system design, test platform development, and component qualification.

The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory research programs, engineering-scale demonstrations, and system integration efforts supporting national advanced reactor initiatives.

This role is based in Idaho Falls, , and follows a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.

• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials behavior at elevated temperatures.
• Ability to interpret and develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Knowledge of HAZOP and risk‑informed design principles with demonstrated safety‑first mindset.
• Understanding of system commissioning practices and troubleshooting of complex process systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
• Capacity for independent problem‑solving and ownership of technical deliverables.

• Lead or support experimental programs for characterization and qualification of molten salts and compatible materials for reactor environments.
• Design and execute high‑temperature corrosion, electrochemical, and thermophysical property experiments.
• Develop technical basis documents supporting salt chemistry control strategies and materials performance.
• Contribute to salt specification development and lifecycle management strategies.

• Support design of high‑temperature piping loops, vessels, heaters, pumps, and instrumentation for molten salt systems.
• Perform engineering calculations to define hydraulic, thermal, and mechanical design parameters (e.g., pump head, pressure drop, heat loss, pipe sizing).
• Develop and interpret Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Lead or support construction and commissioning of laboratory test platforms, pilot‑scale systems, and engineering demonstration skids.

• Perform system‑level modeling and simulation of molten salt systems using tools such as RELAP5, RELAP5‑3D, GOTHIC, MELCOR, or CFD platforms.
• Conduct transient and steady‑state analyses to support safety evaluations and design optimization.
• Support Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies.
• Contribute to design verification and validation activities.

• Support system startup, commissioning, operational readiness reviews, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop test procedures, operating procedures, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, controls, instrumentation, manufacturing, and operations teams to resolve hardware integration challenges.

• Prepare technical reports, memos, and presentations.
• Contribute to program reviews, sponsor deliverables, and licensing‑support documentation as required.
• Proactively collect, manage, and transfer technical knowledge within multidisciplinary teams.

• Level 2:
  Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with 2 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 0 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field and 0 years of relevant experience.
• Level 3:
  Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with 5 years of relevant…