Senior Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

The thermal-hydraulics group at Oklo is responsible for analyzing fluid flow and heat transfer within a reactor and associated systems. This work includes engineering analyses of thermal-fluid dynamics, clear and thorough documentation of the analyses, as well as interfacing with design teams. A CFD Engineer in this group will be responsible for conducting high-fidelity thermal fluid simulations using commercial CFD tools.

Responsibilities

Developing and conducting high-fidelity analyses using CFD to analyze thermal-hydraulic behavior through the reactor core, reactor vessel, heat exchangers, power conversion, and balance of plant systems; Proactively designing, modeling, and analyzing thermal hydraulic systems; Developing and utilizing analysis methods that efficiently and effectively build confidence in a design; Performing engineering analyses, which can include thermal, fluid, safety, manufacturability, and cost; Collaborating cross-functionally to define design requirements, and providing technical feedback to quick-iterating design teams; Documenting work using modern tools and techniques, and writing well-written, thoughtful technical reports; Providing technical feedback to quick-iterating design teams

Requirements

Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in a technical field, such as nuclear, mechanical, or aerospace engineering; Proficiency with STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Nek-5000, or equivalent; Core competencies in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics first principles; Experience with data processing (e.g., pre-processing, post-processing, scripting); Passionate about clean energy; Passionate about making advanced fission a reality; Willing and able to learn quickly; Skilled with CFD tools such as STAR CCM+, Fluent, or similar; Experienced with thermal fluids analysis; Eager to work on a dynamic team, receive constructive feedback, and grow with us; Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative environment; Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving, while not leaning only on what has been done before; Excellent communicator of technical content both verbally and in writing

Nice to have

Experience with thermal hydraulic engineering principles and multi-physics analysis methods for engineering applications, particularly as they relate to power systems; Experience with nuclear engineering principles and multi-physics analysis methods for engineering applications, particularly as they relate to advanced reactors; Experience with analysis of heat exchangers, turbomachinery, and fluid control systems; Competency with modern software engineering practices and programming languages; Fluency with Python; Experience with reactor transient analysis methods; Experience with systems or reactor safety codes such as GOTHIC, RELAP, TRACE, SAM, or SAS4A/SASSYS-1; 5 years or more CFD experience in an industrial setting

Benefits

flexible time off; equity; bonuses; performance incentives; 401k; health insurance; FSA; flexible work hours; other benefits