Principal Nuclear Engineer

The Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) Division, in collaboration with the Strategic Security Sciences (SSS) Division, is seeking a highly motivated Nuclear Engineer with a focus on nuclear reactor security and safeguards to contribute to several exciting advanced nuclear reactor projects.

The position will support the Licensing and Risk Assessments Group within the NSE division as well as international nuclear security and safeguards work in the Nonproliferation Innovation Group in the SSS division.

A well-qualified candidate may be able to support a range of activities, including:

• Analyzing innovative and advanced nuclear technologies, reactor designs, and fuel cycle design concepts from both technical and policy perspectives;

• Leveraging knowledge/experience in (non-exclusively) nonproliferation, international safeguards, nuclear security, proliferation resistance, radiation detection, reactor physics, and waste management;

• Contribute fresh ideas for engagement and research around nuclear nonproliferation and security with an eye to developing and future deployed advanced reactor systems and affiliated nuclear technologies;

• Lead projects and tasks involving multi-disciplinary teams.

• Analyze data and document results in the form of monthly reports, progress reports to sponsors, and technical publications and presentations; prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications, attend and make presentations at scientific meetings.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of pertinent literature.

• Develop new ideas, concepts, and/or research proposals to contribute to programmatic growth.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and the Laboratory community through research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.

• Collaborate well in collegial environment with respect towards other collaborator regardless of background, age, sex, gender, education, etc.

This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, and will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
• Knowledge of nuclear engineering principles, theories, and practices for the design and analysis of reactor systems.
• Knowledge of U.S. and international nuclear policies, with a focus on nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear security, nuclear energy development, nuclear fuel cycle management, nuclear safeguards, and nuclear export controls.
• Applicable understanding of science and engineering principles associated with the nuclear fuel cycle, radiological security, or other related technical areas such as nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, chemistry, and/or physics.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of people and job functions.
• Skill in organizational and time management, with careful attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple stakeholders and priorities and experience working independently under time constraints to meet critical deadlines.
• Skill in the conception, design, and evaluation of innovative approaches and solutions to quantitative problems.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Advanced technical degree in a related area with knowledge/experience working in international or domestic policy development and implementation (i.e., direct work for the USG: NNSA, DOE-NE, DOS, or NRC).

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD3 or RD4) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years’ experience, Masters and 5+ years’ experience, PhD and 4+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350.
• RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years’ experience, Masters and 7+ years’ experience, PhD and 6+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $138,000 - $215,280.

• For RD3 level, candidate is expected to be able to:
  • Apply extensive technical expertise in a broad field of knowledge and has full theoretical grasp of related principles
  • Develop technical solutions to complex problems that require regular use of ingenuity and creativity
  • Provide independent contributions to a wide array of projects/programs leveraging knowledge and experience for colleagues and teammates
  • May have R&D project leadership responsibilities
  • Interacts with senior external personnel as an arbiter of accurate information
• For RD4 level, candidate is expected to be able to:
  • Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in their field
  • Initiate and develop innovative solutions to complex technical problems
  • Work under consultative direction toward long range goals and objectives (primarily self-initiated)
  • Lead R&D project/program teams to meet and anticipate sponsor needs
  • Act as advisor to management and customers on advanced technical research studies

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.