Fuels Engineer 2

NOTE:  THIS POSITION IS AVAILABLE FOR REMOTE WORK FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING BEYOND A 30 MILE RADIUS OF A PHYSICAL NUSCALE OFFICE BUT WITHIN THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES. 

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Fuels Engineer 2 reports to the Manager, Nuclear Design and works collaboratively with Thermal Hydraulics, Code Development, and Nuclear Methods teams within the broader Nuclear Fuels department, as well as with other Engineering disciplines for SMR deployment. This position is an engineer with experience in fuel thermal-mechanical analyses using standard industry codes and methods, as well as familiarity with fuel mechanical design. This role will support design and analysis of fuel and other core components, application of licensed methods, and interfaces with core design, neutronics, and other technical areas that form the design and licensing bases. Although the primary focus is execution of licensed TM methods, the role also supports neutronics evaluations and contributes to incremental method‑development tasks under the guidance of senior staff. Practical knowledge of or experience with PWR reactor physics analyses is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and update fuel TM models consistent with the SMR product design and licensing basis. Maintain analysis models and document results in engineering reports, calculations, studies, and other deliverable types.
• Perform fuel TM evaluations in accordance with licensed methods, supporting design, safety evaluations, and reload assessments. Evaluate cladding strain, pellet-cladding mechanical interaction, gap conductance, fuel rod dimensional changes, stress/strain behavior, and end‑of‑life margins.
• Prepare cycle‑specific TM outputs supporting reload core design and safety analysis. Maintain consistency between TM evaluations, thermal‑hydraulic boundary conditions, neutronic inputs, and the licensing basis described in FSAR chapters and approved topical reports.
• Interpret neutronics evaluations for core performance and fuel design impacts. Assess power distributions, reactivity parameters, peaking factors, and other physics inputs to fuel performance evaluations.
• Perform cross-functional reviews for fuel-related content or impacts. Support Nuclear Fuels disciplines and other Engineering functional areas with development of interface inputs in area of technical responsibility.
• Perform core design and neutronics analysis for cycle design and reloads, including lattice physics generation, core loading optimization, and safety‑related physics inputs to engineering design and analysis interfaces and licensing.
• Support development of advanced fuel TM methods under guidance from senior engineering staff.
• Prepare and verify engineering reports, calculations, studies, system descriptions, requirement specifications, and other design documents with particular emphasis on fuel performance and neutronics.
• Grow technical depth in fuel performance, neutronics and thermal-hydraulic integration, and associated codes and methods.
• Develop resolutions to challenging problems that require the use of creativity and innovation.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Flexibly support changing organizational priorities, including urgent analysis needs, cross‑functional reviews, technical troubleshooting, or special studies.

CORE COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, the individual should demonstrate competencies in performing the essential functions of this position by performing satisfactorily in each of these competencies. 

• Problem solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and reviews information appropriately. Uses own judgment and acts independently; seeks input from other team members as appropriate for complex or sensitive situations.
• Oral/written communication: Listens carefully and speaks clearly and professionally in all situations. Edits work for accuracy and clarity. Is able to create, read, and interpret complex written information. Ability to develop strong interpersonal networks within the organization.
• Planning/organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities, organizes personal and project timelines and deadlines, tracks project timelines and deadlines, and uses time efficiently.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent interruptions, changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability: Consistently on time and at work, responds to management expectations and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Team Building: Capable of developing strong interpersonal networks and trust within the organization.
• Safety Culture: Adheres to the NuScale Safety culture and is expected to model safe behavior and influence peers to meet high standards.
• Quality Assurance:  Commits to the understanding and implementation of quality assurance regulations, standards and guidelines of 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, and NQA-1.

MINIMUM SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Education:   A minimum of B.S. degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (or related discipline) from a four-year accredited college or university is required. Advanced degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering is desirable.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of full-time, directly relevant engineering experience is required. Demonstrated experience in implementing engineering design processes for fuel thermal-mechanical analysis is required. Experience in core design and neutronics preferred.
• Industry Requirements:  Eligible to work under Department of Energy 10 CFR Part 810.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to understand and communicate clearly using a phone, personal interaction, and computers.
• Ability to learn new job functions and comprehend and understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in a rapidly evolving environment.
• The employee frequently is required; to sit and stand; walk; bend, use hands to operate office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. 
• Ability to travel nationally and locally using common forms of transportation. 

Disclaimer: Employee(s) must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing significant safety threat to self or others.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employee(s) assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all employees in this classification.

NuScale Power, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

Pay and Benefits:

The target pay range for this position is $87,107 - $105,129 annually.  The full pay range is $78,096 - $122,149 annually.   

At NuScale, compensation decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, full-time working experience, education and training, equity within the department. 

For information on employee benefits, please visit our Careers Overview page:  Employee Benefits | NuScale Power