RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Nuclear Engineer or Environmental Engineer
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
Our team is helping ensure the safety of nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle at a time when the country and world are considering increasing nuclear power’s role in meeting energy needs.
Objectives of this Role:
- For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other clients, perform technical and regulatory evaluations for ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities, nuclear materials processing and management, and radioactive waste disposal.
- Conduct independent engineering calculations and modeling to support worker and public radiological safety evaluations under normal and accident conditions.
- Apply your nuclear engineering expertise to support analyses of nuclear regulatory frameworks and guidance documents.
- Contribute to preparation of proposals and support other business development activities applicable to your technical expertise and responsibility.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Using your engineering knowledge of nuclear systems, evaluate and quantify hazards, consequences, and risks from external and internal exposure to radiation from, for example, radioactive materials in storage and transportation packaging or in air, water, and soil.
- Conduct both qualitative and quantitative engineering safety assessments of nuclear fuel cycle activities, including using simple tools like spreadsheet or Python calculations, or specialized modeling software.
- Support nuclear licensing reviews.
- Evaluate regulations and guidance for their applicability to new and advanced nuclear technologies.
- Contribute to written technical reports and regulatory documents and communicate technical concepts clearly with clients and colleagues.
Requirements:
- Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related Engineering degree fields with sufficient experience in nuclear or radiological safety. Those with graduate degrees may require less years of experience.
- 3 years: Experience applying understanding of nuclear engineering concepts and their regulatory context is required.
- Experience conducting engineering assessments of the nuclear power fuel cycle or radioactive materials is preferred. Experience with applicable nuclear engineering codes (e.g. for transport, shielding, criticality, and dose) or pathway dose codes is desired.
- Excellent speaking and writing skills and the ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams are required.
- Due to the nature of the contract, candidates must have US Citizenship or have held US Permanent Residency (non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) for at least 5 years.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO