Project Hire: Nuclear Fuel Performance Engineer (AI/ML & Data Science)

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Nuclear Science & Technology (NS&T) Directorate is hiring a Nuclear Fuel Performance Engineer (AI/ML & Data Science) to join our Fuel Performance, Development, and Qualification Department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located in Idaho Falls, Idaho with every other Friday off. This is a 2 year project hire position.

You will play an integral role in developing a next generation nuclear performance database that will transform how experimental data is accessed and utilized. This effort centers on organizing and analyzing experimental data for metal recycle fuels designed to transmute long-lived radioactive waste. You will lead data curation and metadata tagging while integrating computer vision and AI tools to create a structured, searchable database on INL's High-Performance Computing (HPC) platform. This work directly supports the development of AI-driven tools for low-latency, context-aware retrieval of experimental data and domain knowledge, enabling advanced fuel qualification and modeling.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in organizing and structuring experimental data from AFC irradiation and performance tests
• Apply computer vision and data processing tools to extract and tag metadata from reports and images
• Support the development of AI-ready datasets for use in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) frameworks
• Contribute to the design and testing of a web-based interface for data access and interaction
• Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to improve database architecture and usability
• Document findings and present progress to the AFC leadership team

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Material Science, or directly related engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Familiarity with nuclear fuel cycles, materials behavior, or irradiation testing
• Basic experience with data analysis, database systems, or scientific computing

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of nuclear fuel development and fuel performance modeling
• Experience working with experimental data from nuclear materials testing or irradiation campaigns
• Familiarity with computer vision, machine learning, or AI model development
• Experience with structured databases, data curation, or metadata tagging
• Programming skills in Python, with experience using libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, OpenCV, or PyTorch/TensorFlow
• Exposure to Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) frameworks or vision-language models
• Experience with web-based interfaces or data visualization tools for scientific data

Job Information:

The pay range for this position is $65,064 min - $133,416 max. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.