Junior Core Design Engineer
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-12077 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $100,100-$150,200/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world. The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials. Responsibilities The Nuclear Engineering Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an early-career nuclear engineer to support reactor physics analyses, modeling, and simulations for commercial pressurized water reactors (PWRs). This position supports PNNL’s Tritium Technology Program, which provides technical leadership for the U.S. national security infrastructure. The program serves as the design authority for Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rods (TPBARs), specialized rods installed in commercial PWRs to produce tritium. The successful candidate will apply nuclear engineering principles to support TPBAR performance analysis, reactor modeling, and related technical activities. Responsibilities Model PWR core physics and TPBAR performance using neutron transport, diffusion, depletion, and fuel-cycle methods. Analyze TPBAR effects on reactivity, power distribution, neutron flux, and tritium production. Develop, run, and evaluate simulations using established reactor physics codes. Automate analyses and process results with Python or similar scripting tools. Perform data checks, sensitivity studies, and basic uncertainty assessments to support technically defensible results. Document methods and findings in technical reports and presentations. Collaborate with experienced engineers and contribute to projects involving both near-term analyses and longer-term model development. Expected to work with non-sensitive, sensitive, and classified information as appropriate for individual projects and should demonstrate an ability to navigate sensitive business situations and contribute to positive outcomes. The person in this position must recognize and accept that they will be working in technical areas associated with the National Security of the United States This position offers a hybrid work arrangement. The selected individual should expect regular on-site work to support project activities involving sensitive information and collaboration with team members. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: Foundational knowledge of reactor physics, PWR core design, fuel behavior, and nuclear fuel cycles. Familiarity with burnup, depletion, neutron transport, and isotope-production modeling. Interest in applying reactor physics methods to TPBAR design, performance, and operational analyses. Experience with one or more reactor physics or radiation transport codes, such as CASMO/SIMULATE, PARAGON, ANC, MCNP, or SCALE. Programming or scripting experience in Python, Fortran, C/C++, or a similar language. Familiarity with Linux-based HPC environments and Git or other version-control tools. Strong analytical, technical writing, and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn new software and methods, work collaboratively, and communicate technical results clearly. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. Requirements: U.S. Citizenship Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B. Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated. Testing Designated Position This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compen
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: Foundational knowledge of reactor physics, PWR core design, fuel behavior, and nuclear fuel cycles. Familiarity with burnup, depletion, neutron transport, and isotope-production modeling. Interest in applying reactor physics methods to TPBAR design, performance, and operational analyses. Experience with one or more reactor physics or radiation transport codes, such as CASMO/SIMULATE, PARAGON, ANC, MCNP, or SCALE. Programming or scripting experience in Python, Fortran, C/C++, or a similar language. Familiarity with Linux-based HPC environments and Git or other version-control tools. Strong analytical, technical writing, and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn new software and methods, work collaboratively, and communicate technical results clearly.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $100,100.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $150,200.00/Yr.