Stress Engineer - Core Design Physicist

As a Stress Engineer - Core Design Physicist at Assystem, you will focus on analyzing and optimizing the reactor core through detailed modeling. This includes interpreting results and providing insights that will guide critical design decisions across Reactor Physics and Thermal Hydraulics. Your responsibilities will emphasize compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, ensuring safe operations at all time.

To qualify for the Stress Engineer - Core Design Physicist role at Assystem, candidates should possess an MSc in Nuclear Engineering or Nuclear Reactor Physics, or equivalent relevant experience. Candidates should also ideally be a Chartered Physicist or working towards this accreditation, and have a strong background in core modeling and simulation techniques within the nuclear sector.

At Assystem, we prioritize career development for our employees. A Stress Engineer - Core Design Physicist will have access to ongoing training and support, plus the opportunity for promotions, as 70% of our managers have risen through the ranks internally. Our engaging Employee Committee and leadership training programs also contribute to personal and professional growth.

A Stress Engineer - Core Design Physicist at Assystem can expect a hybrid work environment, allowing 1-2 days of remote work per week. This flexibility facilitates a balanced work-life dynamic, enabling you to collaborate effectively with your team while also enjoying the comforts of home.

As a Stress Engineer - Core Design Physicist at Assystem, you will work on pivotal projects that support major UK and international nuclear clients. Your role will include delivering key work packages while contributing to innovative solutions in nuclear and fusion technology, making a significant impact on the energy transition.

In answering this question, focus on specific projects where you built or optimized reactor core models. Highlight the software tools you used, the challenges faced, and how your models contributed to design decisions. Showcase your problem-solving skills and your capacity to work under regulated conditions.

Discuss your familiarity with health and safety regulations related to nuclear operations, and mention the protocols you follow. Emphasize your attention to detail and your proactive approach in maintaining compliance, along with any relevant training or certifications you've completed.

Explain your strategies for effective communication and collaboration, including sharing information and managing diverse viewpoints. Discuss how you contribute to team dynamics, support your colleagues, and integrate feedback to achieve project goals.

Talk about the advanced physics modeling software you are knowledgeable in, and how you apply various simulation techniques in your analysis. Provide examples of results you have interpreted and how they impacted design decisions.

Choose a specific project that posed challenges, whether technical or regulatory. Share how you identified the issues, the steps you took to address them, and the final outcome. This showcases your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your belief in nurturing talent and fostering a learning environment. Share your experiences in mentoring, ways you provide support and guidance, and how mentoring benefits both the mentees and the organization.

Provide a concise overview of criticality safety assessments, emphasizing their role in preventing accidental nuclear reactions. Mention your experience in conducting such assessments and how they integrate into your modeling and design processes.

Detail your approach to project management, including time management skills, tools you use for organization, and methods of tracking progress. Offering examples of how you met deadlines while maintaining quality can strengthen your response.

Outline the resources you utilize for staying informed such as industry publications, professional networks, or relevant training opportunities. Your commitment to continuous learning is key in showcasing your dedication to the field.

Share your passion for technology and innovation within the nuclear sector and how you see the industry's evolution impacting energy sustainability. Showing your enthusiasm will resonate well with interviewers aiming to find culturally fitting team members.