Job Description

Requisition Id 13307

Overview:
We're hiring a Nuclear Siting and Licensing Innovation Engineer to support research efforts that streamline the process of scouting nuclear power plants and consent-based siting of used nuclear fuel facilities! You will work within the Nuclear Operations & Licensing Group in the Advanced Reactor Engineering and Development Section at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

You will play a key role in enhancing the capabilities of the Oak Ridge Siting Analysis for Power Generation Expansion (OR-SAGE) software. This software is essential for evaluating prospective sites for nuclear, solar, and wind power generation facilities, as well as for identifying appropriate locations for used nuclear fuel storage. Collaboration with diverse professionals will be integral as you incorporate High Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), and advanced data technologies and analytics.

Your role will involve assessing risk, engineering designs, and site studies to pinpoint optimal locations based on factors such as geology, seismology, demographics, grid access, etc. Together with social scientists, you will integrate stakeholder involvement and considerations for consent-based siting into the OR-SAGE toolkit.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead research efforts to develop and enhance tools and methodologies for evaluating and selecting sites for nuclear power plants, renewable energy projects, and used nuclear fuel storage facilities. This includes improving OR-SAGE software.

• Examine and integrate advanced technologies like high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and sophisticated data analytics to enhance the functionalities of OR-SAGE.

• Review probabilistic risk assessments, front end engineering designs, and site characterization studies to identify optimal locations for new nuclear power plants, integrated hybrid energy systems and used fuel storage facilities. Factor in parameters like geology, seismology, hydrology, meteorology, demographics, transportation access, grid connectivity, etc.

• Work closely with social scientists to create models for engaging various groups involved and incorporate consent-based siting factors into the OR-SAGE toolkit.

• Stay updated on the most recent advancements, regulations, and recommended approaches in nuclear plant siting and consent-based siting.

• Author technical reports, conference papers, and journal articles to disseminate research findings on nuclear siting. Support program development efforts by scoping new nuclear siting/safety research projects and preparing proposals.

• Provide relevant technical expertise and support to ongoing research projects, including the development of advanced reactor systems or their related supporting technologies.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by encouraging a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A MS degree and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience or a PhD and a minimum of 0-2 years of relevant experience. Degree area should be in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computational engineering, mathematics, or a related field of study.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with geographic information systems including analysis and assessment of potential nuclear power plant or used fuel storage sites.

• Experience in computer programming with languages such as Fortran, C++, Python, MATLAB, C#, or equivalent, and with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.

• Proven experience writing scientific and technical reports and delivering presentations to prominent government, industry, or research communities.

• A continuous pursuit of technology innovation interests in related subject matter areas by pursuing competitively funded research to build a recognized and respected research program.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within given timeframes, and adapt to changing needs.

Special Requirement:
This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL provides competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory offers a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans, as well as flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Additionally, employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are conveniently available.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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