Nuclear Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Overview

MPR Associates, Inc., is a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm. We have exciting opportunities for experienced nuclear engineers to join our team. If you are seeking a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, MPR is the right company for you.

MPR solves challenging problems for clients in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences. We provide top-tier engineering services by focusing on first principles and relying on a team of multi-disciplined engineers with expertise in an array of technical areas. Nuclear engineers at MPR draw on all aspects of nuclear engineering, including neutronics modelling and simulation, thermal hydraulics, irradiation of materials, shielding, and radiation detection and measurement. MPR hires engineers from a wide variety of engineering disciplines including mechanical, chemical, civil, nuclear, materials, and electrical and expects all engineers to routinely work across multiple disciplines.  Successful candidates see value in performing challenging technical work and have a desire for continuous learning including topics beyond nuclear engineering. While a nuclear engineer’s work at MPR will focus on nuclear-related tasks, the engineer will also be encouraged to expand their technical expertise to support MPR’s growing business divisions outside of nuclear engineering.

MPR seeks individuals with an interest in expanding their technical, leadership, and business capabilities. Expected career progression includes developing technical expertise, expanding leadership skills (e.g., project management, administrative supervision, and mentoring) and developing stronger business acumen (e.g., client relationships, and business development). We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.

Playing a key role on our project teams, you will work alongside passionate engineers to develop innovative solutions that benefit society. Typical projects last 2-12 months and are completed by project teams of 2-10 engineers. At any one point, you may be engaged in 2-3 (or more) projects simultaneously, which provides for a diverse and fulfilling work experience. Some of MPR’s projects provide opportunities for moderate amounts of domestic and international travel to client sites, test facilities or supplier’s facilities. Travel may also include visits between MPR’s three offices in Virginia, Connecticut or Massachusetts. 

General Job Description

Typical project assignments in this role will include the design, analysis, or evaluation of nuclear systems and components within industrial facilities. Due to MPR’s breadth of opportunities, the type and scope of nuclear engineering projects is always evolving. Work is accomplished by a multi-disciplinary integrated project team, typically beginning with problem definition, through detailed analysis, all the way through delivering and communicating the solution. This is a full-time, exempt position located at MPR’s offices in Alexandria, VA. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Planning and leading the nuclear design/analysis efforts of multi-discipline system designs, including coaching and mentoring other engineers through execution of the work.
• Developing design/analytical solutions for a range of technical challenges across various projects including, for example:
  • Neutronics simulations and core design (Criticality safety evaluations, critical core configuration, fuel cycle management, activation calculations etc.).
  • Radiation detection and shielding (Alarm set point determination, shielding optimization, application of ALARA principles, dosimetry calculations, etc.).
  • Thermal Hydraulics and Heat Transfer (Heat removal, familiarity with heat removal systems, such as steam generators, condensers, and other NSSS components.).
• Performing technical reviews of internal and external designs or analyses.
• Communicating results internally and externally.

Qualifications

Education

• Nuclear or Mechanical (with a minor in Nuclear) Engineering degree.
• An advanced degree is a plus but not required. 

Technical Skills and Experience

• 2-7 years’ work experience in the field of nuclear engineering, preferably with development of diverse skillsets (neutronics, thermal hydraulics, radiation detection, etc.).
• Experience developing technical solutions based on analysis or testing. Familiarity developing test plans to implement novel nuclear designs, such as new fuel forms, components, etc.
• Familiarity with various nuclear codes and standards, such as ANSI/ANS, ASME B&PV Section XI, etc.
• Familiarity with common nuclear engineering software, such as MCNP, SCALE, ORIGEN, RELAP, etc.
• Able to work closely with engineers of all disciplines to evaluate all facets of a technical problem. Experience successfully working in a collaborative integrated design team is essential.
• Familiarity with both light water and non-light water reactor designs.
• Strong analytical skills with fundamental understanding of the underlying first principles of engineering, not limited to just nuclear engineering. 

Skills - Personal

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, project team members, and senior management.
• Ability to multi-task across teams of engineers and managers on various projects.
• Ability to oversee more junior engineers work efforts and mentor them.
• Motivated to tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
• Ability to accept and grow from constructive feedback.
• Solid time management and organization skills.
• Persistent, questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others.

Travel

As required by project assignments and opportunities. Estimated to be 10%-20%.

MPR must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as client requirements related to the COVID-19 virus.  Employees will have to provide proof of full vaccination status for COVID-19, or have received an approval for a medical or religious accommodation.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E‑Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.