Space Nuclear Propulsion Engine Systems Analyst

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Our team is comprised of 10 companies working together on one mission, Moon to Mars and then beyond

This position supports the Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) program at NASA aimed at maturing the technology for nuclear rocket engines. The engineer will work both independently at times and in an integrated team performing engine systems and system engineering-related activities of the nuclear rocket engine project.

As a key member of the SNP team, primary duties will include:

• Expertise in Nuclear Core Multiphysics (MP) Modeling: Experience with the physics involved in nuclear core dynamics, including heat transfer, fluid mechanics, structures, and nuclear engineering. Proficiency in at least one of these areas, with a strong focus on nuclear engineering, is essential.

• Nuclear Reactor Operations: Familiarity with nuclear reactor startup, shutdown, cooldown, testing, and controls is highly desired. Experience with simulating these operational phases is a plus.

• Nuclear Reactor Core Materials: Understanding of the materials and nuclear properties of nuclear reactor cores, particularly those used in nuclear thermal propulsion systems.

• Simulation Software Proficiency: Experience with simulation tools such as MCNP and OpenMC is highly desired. Familiarity with MOOSE is also valuable.

• Nuclear Fuel Performance: Solid understanding of nuclear fuel performance, including the ability to model the nuclear, chemical, and mechanical effects of fuel under varying operational conditions.

• Create/utilize stability analysis tools to assess engine stability from ROCETS model results.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to interface successfully across multiple organizations and disciplines, ideally in a leadership or collaborative capacity.

• Software Integration: Strong ability to efficiently integrate disparate software systems and work comfortably in a networked environment, particularly on Linux systems and high-performance computing (HPC) platforms.

• Modeling & Simulation Software Development: Experience with M&S software development, including parallel processing and efficient solution algorithms, is highly desirable.

• Coordinate, develop, and present technical materials related to engine system performance and testing in support of design milestone reviews and anomaly investigations.

• Document and maintain test and data analysis processes in written work instructions.

• Participate in relevant trade teams.  Identify and pursue resolution of issues.

• Identify and document customer objectives and product requirements.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

BS plus 20 years of experience, or MS plus 18 years of experience in Nuclear, Aerospace, or related engineering field from an ABET-accredited university.

• Proficiency with Computational Model Validation.

• Experience with radiation shielding/detection/source handling.

• Proficiency with FORTRAN 90 is desirable.

• Excellent presentation skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and time management.

• Able to work in a team environment.

• Must be able to provide own transportation.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required. 

Essential Functions

Work Environment: 

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client