The Advanced Engineering Technologies (AET) Group is seeking a dedicated computational fluid dynamics analyst specializing in the use and development of computational simulation software for complex aerodynamic systems in the support of the nonproliferation mission space. This position will involve the creation and use of custom developed and off-the-shelf computational approaches in a research and development atmosphere. AET resides within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The NND is a division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate. NND staff contributes world class research, technology development, risk assessment, and systems analysis related to nonproliferation and counterproliferation. The division activities play a vital role in implementation of national policy issues that strive to ensure global nuclear security. One of the major focus areas of the AET group is the development of advanced approaches to operation, characterization, and analysis of nuclear fuel cycle processes. The group specializes in the application of engineering principles supporting the characterization of processes and related materials. The AET group collaborates and works with staff from other groups within NND and ORNL to assure the full expertise of fuel cycle processes are applied to meet sponsor needs.
Major Duties / Responsibilities
The successful candidate, in collaboration with principal investigators and project management at ORNL, will participate in the development of simulation software to model complex system flows in processes relevant to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space.
As a junior member of the team, the candidate will hone their CFD skills while developing subject matter expertise in nonproliferation topic areas and the execution of successful R&D projects.
The candidate will be expected to be learn and become a heavy end user of the tools generated, participate in model validation activities, identify workflow improvements, and communicate issues to the development team for tool improvement.
The candidate will also be involved in the analysis of ad hoc problem sets relevant to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space.
This individual will be expected to perform well as part of a larger project team and be capable of developing simulation software in a collaborative development environment.
In addition to these responsibilities, the candidate will be a contributor to R&D projects and will be expected to report on and brief results throughout the lifecycle of the various projects assigned to them.
In this position the candidate will be expected to effectively interact with various ORNL staff as well as internal and external sponsors.
The candidate is expected to work in a team environment with co-workers and management as well as independently; to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports, papers and presentations; and to participate in the development of research proposals.
Excellent communication skills including verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required.
The successful candidate will interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and test campaign personnel.
Required Qualifications:
An B.S in Aerospace Engineering or related field, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related field, and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in computational fluid dynamics analysis, with an emphasis on:
Mesh generation
Steady and unsteady flows
Sensitivity studies
Validation activities
Expertise in computational modeling, including numerical analysis, finite element methods, and software engineering
Experience in software development in the C++ and Python languages
Proven communication skills
The ability to work flexible hours and travel
Internships or Post-Doctoral experience in a CFD related field.
Demonstrated experience in computational fluid dynamics analysis, with an emphasis on:
Sensitivity studies
Validation activities
Experience in an R&D and/or testing environment
Experience executing in a high-performance computing environment
Use of AI/ML techniques to develop surrogate models and support scientific discovery
Experience in multiphysics modeling
Experience in parallel programming on large-scale computational clusters
Expertise in Matlab programming
TS/SCI Clearance
Special Requirement:
SCI
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmental Investigation (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.
This position is a full-time staff position.
Remarks
Technical questions should be directed to Dr. John (JJ) Langford, 865-341-8068
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
