Research Engineer - Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

Research Engineer
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 The Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering has one position opening for a Research Engineer. This role will support the ongoing and active research and development in the Illinois Nuclear Power Institute within the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, in the area of nuclear reactor technology. 

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

 Research Collaboration

• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and design of nuclear reactor systems and supporting technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
• Conduct research on critical aspects of microreactor technology development and deployment, contributing to advancements in the field.
• Perform modeling and simulation of nuclear reactor systems to support research and development initiatives.
• Communicate scientific advancements and licensing updates to stakeholders through various channels, including webinars, presentations, and scientific publications.

Project Management Support

• Work alongside faculty and staff on sponsored research projects, providing administrative, technical, and analytical support to coordinate project execution.
• Coordinate successful project execution including planning, timeline management, resource tracking, risk management
• Communicate among project members and assist in compliance and quality assurance with project requirements.
• Assist in the development and submission of research grant proposals in collaboration with Illinois Nuclear Power Institute faculty and staff.

• Additional duties as assigned to assist in the efforts of the ongoing mission of the Institute and department.
   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering (or other relevant engineering discipline)
• At least two years of work experience in an engineering-focused industry
• Experience in modeling and simulation of complex systems
• Experience in presenting technical work
• Experience in coordinating technical efforts with multiple stakeholders
• Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent resident, a national from one of the countries listed in the 10 CFR 810 appendix, or have the ability to meet Department of Energy Regulations 10 CFR 810 authorized holders
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Worked under a quality assurance program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when working with classified, export-controlled, or otherwise sensitive technical information.
  
  

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the Department of Energy Regulations 10 CFR 810. Compliance with these requirements is necessary due to the Department of Energy regulations governing access to nuclear, plasma, and radiological technology and information. Requesting specific DOE authorization may be part of the hiring process. All authorizations must be in place by the proposed position start date of September 16, 2026.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is an Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis.   The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for the positions, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H-1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on August 10, 2026. Applications may be reviewe