Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer

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Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer – Advanced Reactor Systems

We’re looking for a Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer to support the design, modeling, and experimental testing of advanced liquid-metal reactor technologies. This position focuses on evaluating system-level thermal-fluid behavior, improving passive safety performance, and advancing high-fidelity simulation tools.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in thermal-hydraulic modeling, experience with liquid-metal or low Prandtl number systems, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to inform system design and safety validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop steady-state and transient thermal-fluid models for advanced reactor systems using system codes such as RELAP5-3D, SAM, or TRACE.
• Perform CFD and subchannel simulations using commercial tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, CTF) to evaluate flow behavior and heat transfer across reactor components.
• Support thermal-fluid testing activities, including the development of test plans, data analysis, and model validation for sodium-cooled systems.
• Collaborate closely with core design, safety analysis, systems engineering, and control teams to ensure accurate integration of thermal-hydraulic models across design phases.
• Evaluate modeling tools for capability gaps and propose enhancements aligned with regulatory expectations and industry standards.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, including analysis reports, test summaries, and design review materials.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on thermal-fluid sciences.
• 3–10 years of experience in thermal-hydraulic simulation and system-level modeling, ideally involving sodium or other liquid-metal-cooled reactors.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with system analysis codes such as RELAP5-3D, SAM, or TRACE.
• Experience with CFD and subchannel analysis tools (e.g., Fluent, CTF, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM).
• Familiarity with MOOSE-based platforms (e.g., PRONGHORN, BISON) is a plus.
• Strong scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Understanding of thermal-fluid behavior in low Prandtl number systems.
• Awareness of verification and validation practices in nuclear applications.

• Seniority level
  
  Mid-Senior level

• Employment type
  
  Full-time

• Industries Electric Power Generation, Energy Technology, and Services for Renewable Energy

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