Nuclear Engineer, Diagnostics

What You Will Be Doing:

We are seeking a Nuclear Engineer to develop, operate, and analyze data from advanced diagnostic detectors for Polaris and future fusion generators. This role involves designing, building, integrating, and optimizing diagnostic systems for accurate measurements and supporting the nuclear diagnostics needs of Helion Energy. You will perform signal processing, yield mapping, and analysis to improve signal-to-noise ratios at diagnostic ports. You will complete design reviews, communicate results, and document all aspects of diagnostics. In this collaborative role, you will interface with many other teams including Mechanical Engineering, Plasma Physics, and Test Operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge fusion energy development through innovative diagnostics and nuclear engineering expertise. This is an onsite role, and you will report to the Nuclear Engineering Manager.

You Will:

• Design, construct, calibrate, and operate diagnostics for neutrons, photons, and charged particles using various detector types, including organic scintillators, inorganic scintillators, semiconductor detectors, ion chambers, and activation foils
• Develop scripts in MATLAB or Python to process detector outputs, generate plots, and perform data analyses for internal presentations to the RaSNS, Research (Plasma Physics), and Test Operations teams, as well as external presentations at technical conferences
• Conduct uncertainty quantification and error propagation to ensure the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic results
• Apply complementary skills to advance detector development, such as Monte Carlo simulations or circuit and electrical design

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of nuclear physics, including neutron and photon interactions, cross-sections, attenuation, radioactive decay, and various radiation types
• 3 years of experience designing, constructing, operating, and analyzing detectors. Experience should include tasks such as electronic readout design, coupling scintillators to readout electronics, digitizers, high-voltage supplies, and data acquisition systems (DAQ)
• 3 years of experience in data analysis, including processing raw pulses (e.g., pile-up rejection and pulse shape discrimination) and performing uncertainty quantification and propagation
• Proven experience documenting detector designs, operational methodologies, and analysis scripts for reproducibility and knowledge sharing

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in designing and developing circuitry and electronics for diagnostic detectors
• Familiarity with MCNP6, including the ability to obtain a license and effectively use the software for simulation and analysis
• Experience working in environments with pulsed electromagnetic fields and managing large EMI noise challenges

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