Thermal Fluids Analyst

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Thermal Fluids Analyst to work in our Thermal Mechanical Analysis department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located at our Research and Education Campus with every other Friday off.

The mission of Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) Applied Engineering Division is to provide advanced engineering capabilities encompassing design, analysis, and fabrication. We are at the forefront of developing unique material and nuclear fuel experiments and provide the specialized expertise required to irradiate these experiments in nuclear reactors, contributing to the advancement of nuclear energy research and safety.

The Thermal Mechanical Analysis department within the Applied Engineering Division plays a pivotal role in supporting this mission. We are currently seeking a Senior Thermal Fluids Analyst to join our multi-disciplinary engineering and analysis project teams. The successful candidate will collaborate with leading experts to address complex challenges in nuclear reactor technology and contribute to innovative solutions that enhance the performance and reliability of nuclear systems.

By joining us, you will be part of a dedicated team that values expertise, precision, and collaboration in pursuit of scientific and engineering excellence for national and global impact.

Responsibilities Include

• Perform comprehensive thermodynamic and fluid dynamics analysis for sophisticated experiments involving nuclear fuels, materials, and instrumentation, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Utilize advanced analytical tools including Abaqus, STAR-CCM+, RELAP5, Mathcad, Autodesk Inventor, and additional software to conduct in-depth engineering analyses and simulations.
• Perform analysis using high performance computer (HPC) systems and utilize the framework to effectively optimize pre-processing and post-processing results to meet complex project objectives.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles, theories, and concepts to understand, explain and defend physical conditions and results. Apply knowledge and experience in analyzing the integrity and performance of complex mechanical systems and components under various operating conditions.
• Execute tasks with minimal supervision, ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and quality outcomes while adhering to predefined expectations, requirements, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Identify, formulate, and tackle open-ended problems, applying critical thinking and innovative methodologies to develop robust solutions in dynamic and complex environments.
• Understand and adhere to established safety criteria associated with irradiation experiments.
• Apply established safety criteria associated with irradiation experiments.
• Inspire creativity and deliver positive contributions to cost-efficiency, project scheduling, and breakthrough discoveries.
• Prepare and present detailed written documentation and reports for complex technical and engineering concepts to diverse audiences, ensuring clear understanding.
• Foster a culture of collaborative problem-solving.
• Continuously advance skills and knowledge to stay abreast of emerging technologies, methodologies, and software in engineering, nuclear, and related fields.
• Perform in-depth technical checking of peer work to improve the quality and accuracy of analyses conducted within the team.
• Efficiently manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects, consistently delivering high-quality results.
• You will report to the department manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or directly related engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution and 2 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in the same fields/disciplines.
• Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or directly related engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution. and 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in the same fields/disciplines and 2 years relevant experience
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Experience: Candidates with additional experience in CFD will be highly desirable. The CFD Analyst will utilize computational simulations to model and analyze fluid flow and heat transfer within nuclear systems. This role will involve using CFD tools, using primarily STAR-CCM+, to optimize the design and performance of experiments, ensuring accurate predictions of thermal-fluid behavior.
• Structural Analysis Experience to ASME Code: Candidates with experience in structural analysis, particularly in accordance with ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Section III, will be highly desirable.

Job Information

• The pay range for this position is: Level 2: ($77,628 - $159,228) / Level 3: ($93,204 - $191,076). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

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 field/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 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

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

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.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.
Primary Location
US-ID-Idaho Falls

Job
Engineering

Organization
Nuclear Science & Technology (Cxxx)

Schedule
Full-time

Employee Status
Regular

Job Posting
Sep 11, 2025, 11:09:49 AM

Unposting Date
Nov 11, 2025, 1:59:00 AM

RELOCATION
Position Relocation Eligible

TELEWORK
On-Site Worker