Talent Bridge: Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer

Job Description

Idaho Falls, , United States (On‑site)

Location: Materials and Fuels Complex, Idaho National Laboratory

Schedule: 4 x 10's with every Friday off

Program Duration: 12 months, with a potential 1‑year extension.

Position Overview: The Nuclear Remote Systems Engineer develops, operates, and maintains remotely operated mechanical systems and hot cell equipment in support of advanced nuclear research at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). This role collaborates closely with researchers, technicians, operators, and scientists across the full equipment lifecycle from conceptual design and mockups through fabrication oversight, installation, and long‑term configuration management.

This is a hands‑on, collaborative role requiring creative and practical engineering judgment to deliver one‑of‑a‑kind solutions in the demanding environments of hot cells and glove boxes. The engineer serves as a key technical bridge between nuclear facilities, principal investigators, and programs — enabling safe, efficient, and innovative nuclear research missions at MFC.

• Responsible for the development and production of remotely operated process equipment/systems for use in the harsh environments represented in hot‑cell and glove‑box applications. Support of the operation and maintenance of remotely operated process equipment/systems and technical baseline.
• Provide imaginative and practical engineering solutions to research related programmatic issues and challenges where highly specialized equipment solutions are required to be designed (typically one‑of‑kind design).
• Design and development of new processes and handling equipment. Design systems, equipment, and fixturing, for remote applications.
• Modify existing process equipment/systems to support new missions. Adapt commercially available equipment for remote applications. Install and qualify (Mockup) of new Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) and test equipment & Instrumentation.
• Serve as a technical interface between nuclear facility, principal investigators, projects and programs.
• Support research through process development, operation and data analysis of nuclear fuel and material measurements in Nuclear Facilities.
• Interact with research personnel to establish experiment specific requirements for remote processes and examinations.
• Complete design reviews and verification.
• Configuration management of assigned systems and Engineering Change (EC) process.
• May be responsible for procurement, quality level determination, scheduling, and cost estimating for small projects.

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

This position is a multi‑level posting, open to candidates who are recent graduates at either the Bachelor’s or Master’s level:

To qualify, you must have completed your Mechanical Engineering or directly related engineering Bachelor’s degree within the last 12 months from an ABET‑accredited institution.

To qualify, you must have completed your Mechanical Engineering or directly related engineering Master’s degree within the last 12 months from an ABET‑accredited institution.

• Demonstrated understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals through coursework, design projects, or laboratory work involving mechanical design and analysis.
• Interest in nuclear, radiological, remote handling, or hot cell applications; academic or project‑based exposure considered beneficial.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

• Current Resume or CV
• Proof of Graduation (diploma or unofficial transcripts accepted)
• Mentored environment providing post‑degree work experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring…