# Materials Engineer

**Company:** [Standard Nuclear](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/standard-nuclear)
**Location:** Oak Ridge, TN
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Experience:** 3+ years
**Skills:** materials science, chemical processing, advanced manufacturing, process development, pilot-scale production, materials characterization, process controls, Root Cause Analysis, process scale-up, experimental methods, ceramic materials, nuclear fuels, additive manufacturing, high-temperature materials, equipment troubleshooting
**Posted:** 2026-08-13

> Develops, tests, characterizes, and scales advanced materials and chemical processing methods toward reliable manufacturing. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, 3+ years of related experience, hands-on equipment work, and strong analytical and documentation skills.

## Job Description

## 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.

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