Space Nuclear Systems Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates

. Perform neutronic, thermal hydraulic, fuel performance, engine cycle, or mechanical analyses of candidate nuclear propulsion system concepts .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeUnited StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $90,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in nuclear propulsion system analysis, including neutronic, thermal hydraulic, and fuel performance evaluations. Proficient in technical communication and modeling for advanced reactor systems in both terrestrial and space applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Nuclear EngineeringMATLAB ProgrammingFinite Element AnalysisTechnical WritingRadiation Physics

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Neutronic AnalysisThermal Hydraulic AnalysisFuel Performance AnalysisEngine Cycle AnalysisModeling and SimulationComputational Fluid DynamicsObject-Oriented ProgrammingParametric Design AssessmentTransient AnalysisTechnical Data Communication

Soft Skills

Strong Organizational SkillsAbility to Communicate Complex ConceptsIndependent Research Project Management

Tools & Technologies

MATLABPythonC++MCNPSerpentOpenMCGeant4SCALEOpenFOAMANSYS

Industry Keywords

Nuclear SystemsSpace Mission AnalysisReactor DesignGovernment Stakeholder EngagementAdvanced Nuclear Reactor Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Perform neutronic, thermal hydraulic, fuel performance, engine cycle, or mechanical analyses of candidate nuclear propulsion system concepts
Evaluate parametric design spaces through system-level performance assessments and technical or programmatic risk analysis
Independently develop and implement models for sensitivities related to candidate engine concept designs
Perform steady-state and transient analyses to inform system performance and possible NTP or NEP demonstration test objectives
Communicate technical data to multidisciplinary engineers and project managers through presentations and technical reports
Assess radiation environments and dose mitigation strategies for ground testing and in-space operation
Support analyses and trades determining technology maturation requirements for reactor components and facilities for space reactor systems
Perform literature reviews and documentation supporting space reactor development and programmatic planning
Publish reports, papers, and articles on findings

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related field
Minimum of 2 years of research or related work experience in nuclear systems, engine cycle power balancing, space mission analysis, or modeling and simulation
Experience in computational finite element, fuel performance, reactor physics, radiation physics, thermal hydraulic, and/or numeric analyses of novel fuel and reactor designs
Familiarity with common reactor design and fuel performance metrics
Strong skills in MATLAB, Python, and/or C++
Technical writing experience
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a diverse multidisciplinary team/audience
Ability to independently communicate and interface with government customers or stakeholders
U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency
Desired: graduate-level degree in Nuclear Engineering with academic research and/or 5 years of relevant professional work experience
Desired: exposure to or direct research related to advanced nuclear reactor systems for in-space applications and terrestrial power generation
Desired: experience working with NASA, DOE, DOW, or other related government agencies
Desired: experience with MCNP, Serpent, OpenMC, Geant4, SCALE, DAGMC, or equivalent
Desired: experience with the MOOSE framework and applications such as Cardinal, Bison, and Griffin
Desired: experience with finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics for compressible flow using OpenFOAM, ANSYS, COMSOL, or NekRS
Desired: experience independently designing and implementing research projects in a nuclear or aerospace field/industry
Desired: experience developing and implementing experimental tests related to nuclear and/or aerospace technologies
Desired: object-oriented programming, Git version control, and software architecture management
Desired: strong organizational skills and ability to set up processes and organize project tasks

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid personal leave
Federally recognized holiday leave
Salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting
Tuition reimbursement
Short-term disability plan
Long-term disability plan
Medical insurance options
Dental insurance options
Vision insurance options
Professional growth opportunities
Engaging, collaborative, and supportive work environment