Molten Salt Systems Engineer/Scientist

at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States

Job Description

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 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... For full info follow application link.

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.