Thermal Hydraulics Intern

Interested in helping us transform thermal and electric energy?

Become a part of the leading Generation-IV nuclear plant development team.

May 1, 2025 (16 month term)

Terrestrial Energy is developing for near-term commercial operation, a zero-emissions cogeneration plant for global industry using its proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) fission technology in an innovative, small and modular plant design. The IMSR is a non-Light Water Reactor of the Generation IV class that operates at the high temperature required for broad industrial relevance with transformative economic potential. The IMSR plant is capable of grid-based electric power generation and industrial cogeneration in many energy-intensive industries, including petrochemical and chemical synthesis for hydrogen and ammonia production. The IMSR plant offers a near 50 percent improvement in efficiency of electric power generation compared to Light Water Reactor nuclear plants. Its industrial cogeneration capability delivers to today’s markets industrial competitiveness, security of energy, and zero-emissions industrial production. The IMSR plant’s use of existing industrial materials, components, and fuels supports its near-term deployment, setting the stage for a rapid global decarbonization of the primary energy system. To execute this plan, we are now looking to add talented people to the team, each of whom will:

• improve our team by adding diverse perspectives and innovative ways of problem solving
• have demonstrated exceptional results in engineering projects
• be a team player with the ability to collaborate closely and interact with other groups
• be flexible and adaptable to change
• have skillset and experience that relate to the following role:

The Thermal Hydraulics Intern, under the direction of Thermal Hydraulics Manager, is primarily responsible for thermal hydraulic design, simulation, analysis and R&D support. Other responsibilities include:

• Develop thermal hydraulic models in system-level thermal hydraulic codes
• Perform steady state and transient simulations; sensitivity analysis and optimization studies to improve designs
• Prepare simulation results reports, assessment reports and design documents
• Develop codes in various programming languages to support simulations
• Perform code-to-code validation with CFD models
• Coordinate with other disciplines such as physics, chemistry and/or mechanical
• Contribute to the design development of the IMSR technology
• Support development of thermal hydraulic experimental test setups, review and interpret test results to improve design and simulation models
• Review assessment documents and provide comments
• Assist in the development of design specifications to align with project requirements and industry standards
• Contribute to timely resolution of design challenges and address risks
• Participate in design review meetings to provide input, feedback, and support for design validation and improvement
• Coordinate and support work with other disciplines
• Conduct presentations to interdisciplinary team
• Exposure to nuclear, thermal, mechanical analysis and design of systems and components in relation to the reactor system
• Exposure to reactor engineering design and analysis in neutronics, thermal hydraulics

Core Competencies

• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
• Fluid Dynamics
• Simulation experience
• Power plant engineering
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making 
• Problem Solving
• Results Orientation
• Team player with the ability to collaborate and interact with other groups

Requirements

• Actively working towards a post-secondary degree or diploma in mechanical, chemical or nuclear engineering, or science degree. Senior students or new grads preferred.
• Working knowledge of any system-level thermal hydraulic code
• Working knowledge of any programming language such as C#, C or Python
• Working knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer fundamentals
• Knowledgeable in the working principles of pumps and heat exchangers
• Skills and ability to learn new technology
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills
• Flexibility to adjust to shifting priorities and deadlines
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• Skilled at developing and maintaining strong relationships across all levels of the organization and with external customers and vendors
  

Assets

• Knowledge of molten salt nuclear reactor working principles
• Entrepreneurship or other experience demonstrating self-motivation and problem solving
• Experience with or knowledge of the nuclear field

Benefits

• Mentoring/Coaching with Leaders
• Opportunities to work on projects that make a difference
• A welcoming company culture!
  

Terrestrial Energy requires that the successful candidate be able to access and use information subject to U.S. Export Control Laws, which mandate all citizenships (including dual citizenships) be from the U.S. Department of Energy’s List of Generally Authorized Countries (10 CFR Part 810 Appendix A and can be found here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-III/part-810/appendix-Appendix A to Part 810) unless a specific authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy is obtained or unless you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or protected individual under the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). Additional information can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/10-cfr-part-810.

Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter.

You will be requested to upload a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage. Official transcripts may be requested if you are selected for the role.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in USA without the need for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Terrestrial Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority / Female / Disability / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.  The Company encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please advise us as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made. If you require technical support in a format that is accessible to you, please contact  Accessibility@terrestrialenergy.com.