Responsibilities

Characterization Process Improvement

Analyze characterization workflows from sample receipt through preparation, measurement, review, reporting, and release
Identify bottlenecks, queue times, rework loops, and process gaps that limit characterization throughput
Develop and implement improvements to reduce cycle time, improve consistency, and support production schedules
Establish standard work, process maps, visual management tools, and workflow controls for characterization activities
Support transition of characterization methods from development workflows into repeatable production support processes

Manufacturing & Production Support

Partner with manufacturing, fuel development, quality, and characterization teams to align characterization capacity with production needs
Help define characterization requirements, timing, and readiness inputs needed to support fuel production
Support production planning by providing characterization capacity assumptions, turnaround times, and constraint information
Work with technical teams to ensure sample flow, data review, and reporting processes support manufacturing decision-making
Assist in resolving production delays or quality issues related to characterization throughput, data availability, or sample processing

Capacity Planning & Throughput Analysis

Develop and maintain capacity models for characterization equipment, sample preparation steps, technician workflows, and data review processes
Track key metrics such as sample throughput, turnaround time, equipment utilization, backlog, rework, and schedule adherence
Use data to identify constraints and support prioritization of equipment, staffing, automation, and process improvement needs
Help forecast characterization demand based on production plans, development programs, and qualification activities
Communicate capacity risks and resource constraints clearly to characterization leadership and cross-functional stakeholders

Laboratory Systems, Equipment & Workflow Support

Support layout, workflow, and equipment utilization improvements within characterization laboratory areas
Assist with implementation, qualification, and readiness of characterization and sample preparation equipment
Work with technical staff to improve equipment scheduling, preventive maintenance coordination, and tool availability
Support sample tracking, data handoff, records management, and reporting systems
Identify opportunities for automation, image analysis improvements, data capture improvements, and reduced manual handling

Quality, Data & Documentation

Support development of controlled procedures, work instructions, forms, and records for characterization workflows
Ensure characterization processes support traceability, audit readiness, and quality system expectations
Work with quality and technical teams to improve data review, disposition, and reporting practices
Apply basic statistical and industrial engineering methods to evaluate process variation, measurement flow, and operational performance
Support corrective actions and root cause investigations related to characterization process performance

Cross-Functional Coordination

Work closely with scientists, technicians, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, production planners, and operations teams
Translate technical characterization needs into practical manufacturing workflows and execution plans
Challenge process assumptions constructively while respecting technical requirements and scientific judgment
Help ensure characterization activities are integrated into broader manufacturing schedules and production readiness planning
Communicate issues, tradeoffs, and improvement opportunities clearly across technical and operational teams

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
3–7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, process engineering, quality engineering, metrology, laboratory operations, or a related technical role
Experience improving workflows, throughput, capacity, or production support processes in a manufacturing, laboratory, inspection, or test environment
Strong understanding of process mapping, standard work, bottleneck analysis, cycle time reduction, and continuous improvement methods
Familiarity with materials characterization, microscopy, metrology, metallography/materialography, sample preparation, or laboratory testing preferred
Experience with production support functions such as inspection, test, quality control, metrology, or analytical laboratories is strongly preferred
Ability to work with technical experts and translate complex processes into practical, repeatable workflows
Strong data analysis skills, including Excel and basic statistical analysis
Experience developing procedures, work instructions, process documentation, or controlled records
Familiarity with manufacturing quality systems, traceability, audit readiness, and regulated environments preferred
Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical device, energy, chemical processing, or advanced manufacturing environments is a plus
Practical, hands-on mindset with the ability to work effectively in laboratory and manufacturing environments

Benefits

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account
Disability and Life Insurance
401(k) Plan
Paid Time Off and Holidays