Talent Bridge: Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer

Talent Bridge: Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer

Location: Materials and Fuels Complex, Idaho National Laboratory

Schedule: 4 x 10's with every Friday off

Program Duration: 12 months, with a potential 1-year extension.

Position Overview: The Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer develops, operates, and maintains remotely operated mechanical systems and hot cell equipment in support of advanced nuclear research at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). This role collaborates closely with researchers, technicians, operators, and scientists across the full equipment lifecycle from conceptual design and mockups through fabrication oversight, installation, and long-term configuration management.

This is a hands-on, collaborative role requiring creative and practical engineering judgment to deliver one-of-a-kind solutions in the demanding environments of hot cells and gloveboxes. The engineer serves as a key technical bridge between nuclear facilities, principal investigators, and programs - enabling safe, efficient, and innovative nuclear research missions at MFC.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development and production of remotely operated process equipment/systems for use in the harsh environments represented in hot-cell and glove-box applications. Support of the operation and maintenance of remotely operated process equipment/systems and technical baseline.
• Provide imaginative and practical engineering solutions to research related programmatic issues and challenges where highly specialized equipment solutions are required to be designed (typically one-of-kind design).
• Design and development of new processes and handling equipment. Design systems, equipment, and fixturing, for remote applications.
• Modify existing process equipment/systems to support new missions. Adapt commercially available equipment for remote applications. Install and qualify (Mockup) of new Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) and test equipment & Instrumentation.
• Serve as a technical interface between nuclear facility, principal investigators, projects and programs.
• Support research through process development, operation and data analysis of nuclear fuel and material measurements in Nuclear Facilities.
• Interact with research personnel to establish experiment specific requirements for remote processes and examinations.
• Complete design reviews and verification.
• Configuration management of assigned systems and Engineering Change (EC) process.
• May be responsible for procurement, quality level determination, scheduling, and cost estimating for small projects.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Eligibility:

This position is a multi-level posting, open to candidates who are recent graduates at either the Bachelor's or Master's level:

Bachelor's Level
To qualify, you must have completed your Mechanical Engineering or directly related engineering Bachelor's degree within the last 12 months from an from an ABET-accredited institution.

Master's Level
To qualify, you must have completed your Mechanical Engineering or directly related engineering Master's degree within the last 12 months from an from an ABET-accredited institution.

Minimum Qualification

• Demonstrated understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals through coursework, design projects, or laboratory work involving mechanical design and analysis.
• Interest in nuclear, radiological, remote handling, or hot cell applications; academic or project-based exposure considered beneficial.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

Application Requirements:

• Current Resume or CV
• Proof of Graduation (diploma or unofficial transcripts accepted)

Program Benefits:

• Mentored environment providing post-degree work experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring staff to early career individuals.

Review and Evaluation: Performance and satisfaction will be reviewed at three, six, and nine months. At the six-month review, potential next steps will be discussed

• Transition to a full-time role
• Pursue additional education
• Explore other opportunities

Job Information:
This job posting offers two salary ranges based on the selected applicant: $66,504 - $90,960 for recent bachelor's graduates and $79,344 - $108,540 for recent master's graduates. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.