Analytical Mechanics Associates · 12 hours ago
Space Nuclear Systems Engineer
Maryland, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
$80K/yr - $120K/yr
2+ years expAnalytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) is seeking a Space Nuclear Systems Engineer for their Denver, CO or Huntsville, AL location. The role focuses on supporting multidisciplinary engineering analyses of novel nuclear reactor designs for various propulsion systems in support of NASA’s Space Nuclear Propulsion project.
Research
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Assist ongoing AMA analyses by performing neutronic, thermal hydraulic, fuel performance, engine cycle, or mechanical analyses of candidate nuclear propulsion system concepts:
Evaluate the parametric design space through assessment of system-level performance and any technical or programmatic risks
Independently develop and implement models to perform sensitivities related to candidate engine concept designs
Perform steady state and transient analyses to inform overall system performance and possible test objectives for an NTP or NEP demonstration
Communicate technical data to a multidisciplinary team of engineers and project managers via presentations and technical report writing
Support the ongoing assessment of the radiation environment and dose mitigation strategies for ground testing as well as in-space operation
Support relevant analyses and trades to determine required technology maturation of reactor components and facilities development for space reactor systems
Perform literature review and documentation to assist in ongoing space reactor system development and programmatic planning efforts
Publish reports, papers, and articles on findings
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's Degree in Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or another related field. An advanced degree is desired but not required
A minimum of 2 years of research or related work experience in nuclear systems, engine cycle power balancing, space mission analysis, or modeling and simulation
Experience in computational finite element, fuel performance, reactor physics, radiation physics, thermal hydraulic, and/or numeric analyses of novel fuel and reactor designs. Familiarity with common reactor design and fuel performance metrics
Strong skills in MATLAB, Python, and/or C++
Technical writing experience and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse multi-disciplinary team / audience. Ability to independently communicate with and interface with government customers or stakeholders
U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency
Preferred
A graduate-level degree in Nuclear Engineering with academic research and/or 0 – 7 years of relevant professional work experience
Previous exposure to or direct research related to advanced nuclear reactor systems for both in-space applications (e.g., FSP, NTP, NEP, etc.) and terrestrial power generation
Experience working with NASA, DOE, DOD, or other related government agencies
Experience performing reactor and radiation physics calculations in MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, Geant4, SCALE, DAGMC, or equivalent
Experience with the MOOSE framework and its custom applications, such as Cardinal, Bison, Griffin, etc
Experience with finite element analysis using developed software, such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS, COMSOL, etc
Experience independently designing and implementing research projects in a nuclear or aerospace related field / industry
Experience with object-oriented programming, Git version control, and software architecture management
Self-motivated with good communication skills and desire to work in a highly motivated team environment
Strong organizational skills with the ability to set up processes and organize project tasks
Benefits
Paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave
Salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting
Tuition reimbursement
Short/long term disability plans
A variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options
Company
Analytical Mechanics Associates
Since 1962, AMA has worked with government and commercial organizations solving tough engineering, math, and business problems.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
John Abrams
Chief Executive Officer
Jamie Greer
HR Business Partner
Recent News
2025-05-17
2025-04-30
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