Role Snapshot
Research Engineer at North Carolina State University supporting the operation and advancement of the PULSTAR nuclear research reactor through reactor operations, system design, computational modeling, and nuclear system analysis. This role combines hands-on reactor management with research and development to ensure safe, efficient operation of critical nuclear research infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities: Obtain NRC Senior Reactor Operator licensure and oversee reactor operations; design, install, test, and maintain reactor plant and experimental facility systems; develop operational procedures and safety protocols; execute reactor core simulations using high-performance computing; and conduct nuclear system analysis and experimental facility design.
Skills & Tools: Advanced knowledge of nuclear reactor operations, reactor physics, and nuclear engineering; proficiency with high-performance computing, computational modeling, and radiation transport codes; strong technical writing and documentation skills; and expertise in safety protocols and radiation protection procedures.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, physics, or related field required; graduate degree preferred. Prior experience with reactor operations, nuclear systems analysis, or experimental design is advantageous.
Location: Not specified
Compensation: $110K–$160K/yr (estimated)
Job Description
- Reactor Operations and Training: Receive comprehensive training to obtain licensure as a Senior Reactor Operator from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
- System Design and Maintenance: Participate in the design, installation, testing, operation, and maintenance of reactor plant and experimental facility systems.
- Procedure and Protocol Development: Develop detailed specifications for reactor and experiment system components, including design requirements and operational and maintenance procedures. Create and implement laboratory safety and radiation protection procedures and protocols to support reactor research.
- Computational Modeling and Simulation: Formulate and execute reactor core and system simulations using high-performance computing (HPC) resources to ensure safe reactor operation.
- Research and Development: Design experimental facilities and conduct complex research utilizing computational resources. Formulate research methodologies and propose enhancements to improve research quality.
- Documentation and Publication: Contribute to project documentation and reporting, author scholarly papers, and support the development of proposals for new projects.
- Nuclear System Analysis: Perform nuclear system simulations, experimental facility design, and nuclear data generation to support the safe operation of the PULSTAR nuclear research reactor. Utilize HPC resources to run atomistic simulation, nuclear data generation, and radiation transport codes.