Nuclear Methods Software Engineer

Nuclear Methods Software Engineer –

Create formal documentation of nuclear methods software requirements, design, implementation, and testing in support of licensing TerraPower reactors.

Update, improve, and/or create software to satisfy all licensing requirements during the Validation and Verification (V&V) process

Incorporate additional 3rd-party programs in our simulation ecosystem as necessary to support licensing

Design and execute sensitivity studies to understand the effects and validity of various modeling assumptions, including meshing, physics coupling, transport options, cross section preparation, fission product models, spatial kinetics, etc., and adjust methods as necessary

Train and support reactor designers and developers in the use of the design software suite

Build and apply methods to assess the propagation of uncertainty and their effect on safety margins

Enhance engineering team's ability to build models and make meaningful conclusions from simulation output through input tools, visualization, reports, etc.,

Key Qualifications and Skills

Advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering or equivalent and 4+ years of relevant experience preferred

Fast reactor physics and design intuition

Experience in understanding and executing nuclear design/analysis methodologies, including criticality, flux/power distributions, fuel management optimization, reactivity coefficients, shielding, activation, control rod worth, detector response, and uncertainty analysis, ideally with a focus on fast-neutron reactors

Excellent "under-the-hood" knowledge of the methods of reactor physics analysis (deterministic and stochastic particle transport, isotopic depletion, perturbation theory, nuclear data, kinetics, etc.)

Experience with some nuclear engineering software such as DIF3D, MC2, PARTISN, MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, PARCS, APA, CASMO, DRAGON, ARMI, etc. preferred

Strong computational expertise required: we consider computers to be the universe at our fingertips rather than burdensome necessities

Strong programming skills in any language required, preferably in scientific computing, Python, C++, and Fortran skills are a bonus

Proven ability to integrate and automate simulation tools

Demonstrable capabilities with fundamental software development tools (e.g. IDEs, version control, profilers, debuggers, documentation builders, packaging tools)

Experience interacting on nuclear methodology with the NRC under an ASME NQA-1 compliant QA environment preferred

Good working knowledge of general numerical methods and applied mathematics (e.g. PDEs, numerical stability, statistics, numerical analysis, dynamics)

Strong formal technical documentation skills required

Ability to consistently deliver to an aggressive schedule

Self-motivated: able to seek out tasks and produce value aligned with team goals without waiting for next assignment

Passion for and dedication to software best practices

Willingness to openly give and accept professional criticism through code reviews and other venues

Strong verbal communication skills desired

The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect, and a desire to foster teamwork

Job Functions

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)

Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds

Repetitive work: Prolonged

Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work

Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

Travel required: 0-5%