piper maddoxEast Boston, MA
Thermal Hydraulics Engineer
Thermal Hydraulics Engineer
Thermal Hydraulics Engineer
piper maddoxEast Boston, MA
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About the Company:
We’re partnering with a well-funded, early-stage nuclear energy startup based in San Francisco. The company is focused on developing next-generation, compact reactor systems designed for scalable, cost-predictable deployment across large energy applications such as data centers, industrial heat, and grid-scale power. Backed by significant private funding and operating in a true builder/startup environment, the team is mission-driven, fast-moving, and deeply committed to tackling complex, first-of-a-kind (FOAK) engineering challenges. This is an opportunity to join at an early stage and play a key role in shaping both the technology and the organization. This is a remote role with travel as needed.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a Thermal Hydraulics Engineer with nuclear industry experience to support the modeling and simulation of advanced reactor systems, including normal operation and transient/accidental scenarios. This individual will contribute to the design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance nuclear systems in a highly collaborative, hands-on startup environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead accident scenario modeling and safety analysis using system-level codes
- Analyze thermal-hydraulics performance under steady-state and transient conditions
- Perform CFD modeling and simulation to support reactor and system design efforts
- Collaborate cross-functionally with reactor design, systems, and safety teams
- Contribute to the development and validation of modeling methodologies
- Support design decisions through quantitative simulation insights
Required Qualifications:
- Professional experience with system codes and accident modeling tools (RELAP, MELCOR, or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of thermal-hydraulics and fluid dynamics principles
- Professional engineering experience applying CFD and thermal-fluid analysis
- Hands-on experience with CFD tools (Star-CCM+ preferred; other packages acceptable)
- Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced, startup environment
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technical domains and solve complex engineering challenges
- Preferred / Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Industry experience in nuclear engineering
- Experience with nuclear-specific CFD applications
- Experience coupling CFD and FEA analyses for thermal-mechanical design challenges
- Experience modeling heat exchangers, steam generators, or similar thermal-fluid systems
- Exposure to core design / reactor physics tools (CASMO, SIMULATE, or equivalent)
- Experience with fuel performance modeling (FRAPCON, BISON, or similar)
- Experience supporting work performed under NRC regulatory frameworks or licensing processes
- Familiarity with cost modeling or techno-economic analysis
- Broader systems-level understanding of reactor design
- Experience working in startup, high-growth, or fast-paced engineering environments
- Experience with both computational modeling and experimental/testing programs
What We're Looking For:
- (Culture & Mindset)
- Strong communicator who collaborates effectively across highly technical teams
- Proven grit, resilience, and determination—comfortable tackling ambiguous, high-difficulty problems
- Strong interest in working on first-of-a-kind (FOAK) hard-tech projects
- Curious, continuous learner who can quickly develop expertise in new technical areas
- Builder mentality: takes ownership, moves with urgency, and thrives in early-stage environments
- Committed to technical excellence while balancing speed, execution, and practical engineering outcomes
- Motivated by the opportunity to help reshape the future of energy
- CompensationCompetitive salary based on years of experience
- Healthcare & dental fully covered by the company. Vision Available.
Equity
Also on the board Same function, level within a rung
Level
Senior
Location
East Boston, MA
Occupation
Mechanical Engineers
Industry
Engineering Services
Posted
today