Thermal-Hydraulics Code Developer 4

POSITION SUMMARY:  This position directly supports the Code Development Manager.  The Thermal-Hydraulic Code Developer is responsible for developing cutting edge, proprietary reactor safety software that supports the design certification and commercialization of the NuScale SMR while also leading and mentoring junior staff in all areas of code development and thermal-hydraulics.  This position requires an experienced nuclear thermal-hydraulics engineer in the area of light-water reactor safety analysis with knowledge of subchannel and/or system thermal-hydraulics analyses, methodologies, critical heat flux correlations, and two-phase flow.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supports both Engineering and Office of Technology departments in evaluating and developing state-of-the-art simulation tools for reactor safety analysis.
2. Knows and masters the RELAP5-based thermal-hydraulic code structure, numerical solution method, models, and correlations as well as their ranges of applicability.
3. Exercises in-depth knowledge and experience to develop and achieve software development objectives and goals in creative and effective ways.
4. Advises in areas of code coupling and commercial impact of advanced tool development.
5. Advises on best path forward for implementing code changes and strategies necessary to meet new objectives or requirements, and applies knowledge of industry best-practices and state-of-the-art tools and methods.
6. Develops understanding of stakeholder needs and strategic priorities to support cooperative efforts among members of project teams.
7. Willingness to learn new coding standards and languages.
8. Develops new models and code enhancements for proprietary reactor safety software with minimal supervision.
9. Mentors and trains less experienced engineers.
10. Prepares code input for verification purposes and executes code testing activities as necessary.
11. Writes and reviews technical documentation including responses to NRC requests for additional information, software quality assurance documents, engineering reports and calculations as needed in the area of code development.
12. Provides technical and advisory assistance in area of expertise to staff and other departments.
13. Complies with stringent NQA-1, 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, and 10 CFR Part 21 quality requirements.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, the individual should demonstrate competencies in performing the essential functions of this position by performing satisfactorily in each of these competencies. 

• Problem solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and reviews information appropriately.  Uses own judgment and acts independently; seeks input from other team members as appropriate for complex or sensitive situations.
• Oral/written communication: Listens carefully and speaks clearly and professionally in all situations. Edits work for accuracy and clarity, is able to create, read and interpret complex written information.  Ability to develop strong interpersonal networks within the organization.
• Planning/organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities, organizes personal and project timelines and deadlines, tracks project timelines and deadlines, and uses time efficiently.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent interruptions, changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability: Consistently on time and at work, responds to management expectations and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Team Building: Capable of developing strong interpersonal networks and trust within the organization.
• Safety Culture: Adheres to the Corporate Safety culture and is expected to model safe behavior and influence peers to meet high standards.
• Quality Assurance:  Commits to the understanding and implementation of quality assurance regulations, standards, and guidelines of 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, and NQA-1.

MINIMUM SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Education/Certification:  A minimum of a BS degree in in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering from a four year ABET accredited engineering program is required.  MS or PhD preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience required.
  • Demonstrated experience in thermal-hydraulic analyses including transient safety analysis required.
  • Experience with industry-standard simulation tools such as RELAP5, RETRAN, COBRA, VIPRE required.
  • Proficiency in Fortran and Python computer languages
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new advanced topics not previously familiar with required.
  • Experience/familiarity with complex coupled multi-physics simulation tools preferred. (i.e., VERA, MOOSE, RELAP5 Executive)
  • Previous code development and code validation experience preferred.
  • Previous experience in coupling of subchannel, neutronics, and system thermal-hydraulics codes preferred.
• Industry Requirements:  Eligible to work under Department of Energy 10 CFR Part 810. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to understand and communicate clearly using a phone, personal interaction, and computers.
• Ability to learn new job functions and comprehend and understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in a rapidly evolving environment.
• The employee frequently is required; to sit and stand; walk; bend, use hands to operate office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. 
• Ability to travel nationally and locally using common forms of transportation.

Disclaimer: Employee(s) must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing significant safety threat to self or others.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employee(s) assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all employees in this classification.