Materials Engineer

Responsibilities

Materials Development & Testing

• Support development and refinement of advanced materials processing methods from laboratory or pilot-scale activities toward repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Plan, execute, and document test campaigns, process trials, equipment runs, and material evaluations.
• Evaluate relationships between process conditions, material behavior, product attributes, yield, and repeatability.
• Use experimental data, observations, characterization results, and engineering judgment to recommend next steps.
• Identify technical risks, process limitations, material constraints, and improvement opportunities.

Process Development & Scale-Up

• Support transition of materials and chemical processes from development-scale work to production-capable manufacturing methods.
• Develop and optimize processing parameters to improve consistency, quality, yield, and process performance.
• Work hands-on with processing equipment to support installation, operation, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Support process control strategies, operating windows, and acceptance criteria.
• Incorporate development lessons into production methods, procedures, and technical requirements.

Materials Characterization & Technical Analysis

• Evaluate material properties, product quality, and process performance with characterization, quality, and engineering teams.
• Review characterization data, process data, test results, and production observations to identify trends and technical conclusions.
• Support root-cause investigations related to material behavior, process variability, yield loss, or product performance.
• Help define testing needs, acceptance criteria, and evaluation methods.
• Translate technical findings into recommendations for engineering, manufacturing, and leadership stakeholders.

Engineering & Equipment Support

• Contribute to the design, selection, installation, and refinement of processing systems, tooling, fixtures, and test equipment.
• Support development projects, scale-up efforts, equipment readiness, process trials, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Provide input on equipment capability, maintainability, process reliability, material handling, and scale-up considerations.
• Assist with technical specifications, process descriptions, equipment requirements, and process control methods.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Document procedures, process parameters, test plans, observations, results, conclusions, and recommended next steps.
• Prepare technical summaries, development reports, process documentation, and supporting materials for internal review.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, issues, and recommendations to engineering, development, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams.
• Participate in cross-functional problem-solving, technical reviews, project planning, and process improvement activities.
• Maintain attention to safety, quality, documentation, and technical rigor.

Requirements & Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in materials development, chemical processing, advanced manufacturing, process development, pilot-scale production, or related technical environments.
• Experience with nuclear fuels, ceramic materials, powders, high-temperature materials, uranium-bearing materials, or comparable advanced materials is preferred.
• Adjacent experience in advanced ceramics, specialty materials, batteries, semiconductors, aerospace materials, additive manufacturing, chemical process development, or high-temperature manufacturing will be considered.
• Hands-on experience with processing equipment, test campaigns, pilot systems, laboratory systems, or manufacturing development activities.
• Strong understanding of material behavior, process variables, experimental methods, process controls, and scale-up challenges.
• Ability to evaluate process performance, yield, repeatability, product quality, and material properties using data and technical judgment.
• Strong documentation, communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and holidays

Work Environment

• Work is performed in laboratory, manufacturing, and office settings.
• May involve standing for extended periods, working around equipment, or handling materials.
• Personal protective equipment may be required.