Idaho National Laboratory · 3 days ago
Molten Salt Systems Engineer/Scientist
Idaho Falls, ID
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$95K/yr - $234K/yr
5+ years expIdaho National Laboratory is seeking a Molten Salt Systems Engineer/Scientist to lead experimental programs for molten salt characterization and support high-temperature system design. The role involves system-level modeling, commissioning support, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to address technical challenges.
BiofuelEnergyHomeland SecurityInformation Technology
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead or support experimental programs for characterization and qualification of molten salts and compatible materials for reactor environments
Design and execute high-temperature corrosion, electrochemical, and thermophysical property experiments
Develop technical basis documents supporting salt chemistry control strategies and materials performance
Contribute to salt specification development and lifecycle management strategies
Support design of high-temperature piping loops, vessels, heaters, pumps, and instrumentation for molten salt systems
Perform engineering calculations to define hydraulic, thermal, and mechanical design parameters (e.g., pump head, pressure drop, heat loss, pipe sizing)
Develop and interpret Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Lead or support construction and commissioning of laboratory test platforms, pilot-scale systems, and engineering demonstration skids
Perform system-level modeling and simulation of molten salt systems using tools such as RELAP5, RELAP5-3D, GOTHIC, MELCOR, or CFD platforms
Conduct transient and steady-state analyses to support safety evaluations and design optimization
Support Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies
Contribute to design verification and validation activities
Support system startup, commissioning, operational readiness reviews, and troubleshooting activities
Develop test procedures, operating procedures, and technical documentation
Collaborate with mechanical, controls, instrumentation, manufacturing, and operations teams to resolve hardware integration challenges
Prepare technical reports, memos, and presentations
Contribute to program reviews, sponsor deliverables, and licensing-support documentation as required
Proactively collect, manage, and transfer technical knowledge within multidisciplinary teams
Qualification
Required
Level 3: Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 2 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field and 2 years of relevant experience
Level 4: Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with 9 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field and 4 years of relevant experience
Experience in high-temperature process systems, molten salts, liquid metals, or chemically aggressive environments
Demonstrated experience in system design, experimental hardware development, or pilot-scale deployment
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE 'L' clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship
Preferred
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) with specialization in molten salt chemistry, electrochemistry, materials degradation, or reactor thermal hydraulics
Experience with ASME pressure vessel and piping codes
Experience using system analysis tools (RELAP5, RELAP5-3D, MELCOR) or CFD platforms
Familiarity with corrosion testing, glovebox operations, or inert atmosphere systems
Experience contributing to licensing documentation or safety analysis
Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and engineering documentation systems
Company
Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory USDOE is a research laboratory focused on the development, demonstration, and deployment of nuclear energy.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$7.5MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyU.S. Department of Homeland Security
2024-07-02Grant· $7.5M
2023-01-17Grant
Leadership Team
David Teter
Deputy Laboratory Director of Management & Operations / Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
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