Molten Salt Systems Engineer/Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Reactor Technology (NRT) Division is seeking a highly motivated Molten Salt Systems Engineer/Scientist to support research, development, qualification, and deployment of molten salt technologies for advanced reactor systems, including chloride and fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) and other molten salt-based concepts.
This position integrates molten salt chemistry, materials science, thermal-hydraulics, and high-temperature systems engineering to support reactor system design, test platform development, and component qualification. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory research programs, engineering-scale demonstrations, and system integration efforts supporting national advanced reactor initiatives.

This role is based in Idaho Falls, ID, and follows a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials behavior at elevated temperatures.
• Ability to interpret and develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Knowledge of HAZOP and risk-informed design principles with demonstrated safety-first mindset.
• Understanding of system commissioning practices and troubleshooting of complex process systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
• Capacity for independent problem-solving and ownership of technical deliverables.

Key Responsibilities:

Molten Salt R&D and Qualification

• 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.

  High-Temperature System Design & Deployment

• 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.

  Thermal-Hydraulic Modeling & System Analysis

• 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.

  System Commissioning & Operations Support

• 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.

  Documentation & Communication

• 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.

Required:

• Level 2: Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with 2 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 0 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field and 0 years of relevant experience.
• 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.
• 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.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Degree's specializing 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.

The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with laboratory field work subjected to variable weather. The noise level is generally moderate. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance. Position may include exposure to mechanical, electrical, pressure, temperature, and other potential hazards. Necessary safety equipment may be required including personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. Periodic safety training is necessary. Position may be required to work irregular hours of more than 8 hours/day and working alone.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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.