Criticality Safety Engineer

Criticality Safety Engineer

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Department: Engineering

 

FUNCTION 

The Senior Criticality Safety Engineer will play a key leadership role in ensuring the safe design and operation of Standard Nuclear’s advanced fuel manufacturing processes. This position is responsible for leading criticality safety analyses, authoring regulatory documentation, and supporting licensing and safety basis activities. The Senior Criticality Safety Engineer will collaborate closely with design, operations, quality assurance, and licensing teams to integrate criticality safety into facility design and operations. This is a high-impact, senior-level technical role for individuals with deep experience in criticality safety and the use of the SCALE code system within DOE or commercial nuclear environments. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Analysis and Safety Basis Development 

• Lead the development and execution of criticality safety analyses using SCALE (KENO, TSUNAMI, etc.) for advanced TRISO fuel manufacturing modules. 

• Evaluate fissile material processes, including feedstock handling, dissolution, kernel conversion, TRISO fabrication, fuel form manufacturing, and shipping of fresh fuel. 

• Author and review Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), technical reports, and safety basis documentation in compliance with DOE and NRC requirements. 

Regulatory Support and Compliance 

• Support interactions with regulators, including technical audits and readiness reviews. 

• Respond to findings, implement corrective actions, and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulations. 

• Contribute to the preparation and submittal of criticality safety–related regulatory documentation. 

Integration & Collaboration 

• Work cross-functionally with design, operations, quality assurance, and licensing teams to integrate criticality safety into facility design and modifications. 

• Ensure safety considerations are incorporated throughout process development and facility lifecycle. 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering 

• Experience performing criticality safety analyses in the DOE laboratory system or commercial nuclear environment. 

• Proven expertise with the SCALE code system (including TSUNAMI and KENO) for sensitivity, uncertainty, and criticality calculations. 

• Familiarity with NRC and DOE criticality safety regulatory requirements. 

• Demonstrated ability to author CSEs and safety basis documents to meet DOE/NRC expectations. 

• Experience with commercial nuclear fuel cycle processes, including TRISO fuel manufacturing, strongly preferred. 

• Knowledge of other modeling tools (e.g., MCNP, Serpent) and proficiency in Python for workflow automation a plus. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interface with regulators and internal stakeholders. 

 

BENEFITS 

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 

• Health Savings Account 

• Disability and Life Insurance 

• 401(k) Plan 

• Paid Time Off and Holidays 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

• Work is primarily performed in an office and laboratory setting, with periodic time spent in controlled facility environments. 

• May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in certain work areas. 

• Work may include interactions with regulatory bodies and participation in formal reviews or audits. 

Standard Nuclear embraces equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. 

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.