Senior Coated Particle Characterization Engineer

Requisition Id 13693 

 

Overview:

ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory in the US Department of Energy. It conducts research to solve energy and security problems.

 

Join the ORNL Particle Fuel Fabrication (PFF) Group as a highly motivated individual with expertise in fabrication, characterization, and qualification of coated particle nuclear fuels. Equivalent experience is acceptable in place of PFF education. The PFF group is dedicated to driving innovation in coated particle fuel technologies for various nuclear applications. The Coated Particle Fuel Development Laboratory (CPFDL) serves as the central facility for the PFF group's research and development, housing advanced capabilities for coated particle research.

 

We are looking for candidates who have experience in these techniques, particularly in adapting them to new fuel architectures and materials. The chosen candidate will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between ORNL staff and industrial partners. They will help develop program plans tailored to meet the specific requirements of our diverse clientele. Additionally, they will be responsible for presenting research findings at meetings and conferences and contributing to academic publications. Mentoring junior staff and collaborating with management for research guidance is also part of the role.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Implement and develop fabrication methods to produce coated particle fuel forms.

• Apply advanced characterization techniques to detail processing-structure-property correlations for nuclear fuel and matrix materials.

• Collaborate with staff from different fields to deploy and fix instruments, including providing training and developing standard operating procedures.

• Train staff in the accurate use and technique of specialized characterization and fabrication equipment.

• Design and set up radiological lab spaces for the sample preparation and characterization.

• Contribute to publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear fuel materials.

• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A MS in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field + 7 years of experience, or a BS in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field + 8 years of experience.

• Experience with characterization of coated particle fuel forms e.g. TRISO fuels.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing research at a United States Department of Energy national laboratory nuclear or radiological facility.

• Experience with ceramic fabrication and processing methods, including spark plasma sintering, hot pressing, and chemical vapor phase processing of materials.

• Demonstrated ability to achieve successful outcomes both independently and as part of a team.

• Knowledge and experience with nuclear quality assurance programs.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills to support regular interactions with fellow technical and research staff and help prepare internal reports and external publications.

 

Special Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to acquire and retain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

• 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.

• This position requires the ability to acquire and maintain a clearance from the Department