Ceramic Materials Engineer

My client is a rapidly growing advanced energy and engineering technology company developing next-generation nuclear systems. As the organization continues to expand its reactor development efforts, they are seeking multiple Ceramic Materials Engineers across various experience levels to support the development, analysis, and qualification of silicon carbide and graphite materials used in advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-funded, mission-driven organization developing cutting-edge microreactor systems that will help shape the future of clean, reliable energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, evaluation, and qualification of SiC and graphite components used in advanced reactor systems.
• Analyze material properties including thermal conductivity, strength, oxidation resistance, creep behavior, and dimensional stability.
• Perform engineering analyses to evaluate material performance in high-temperature and irradiation environments.
• Support material selection, supplier evaluations, and procurement specifications.
• Develop material qualification plans, testing requirements, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, thermal, nuclear, and systems engineering.
• Review technical literature and industry data related to SiC, graphite, and HTGR materials.
• Prepare engineering reports, calculations, presentations, and licensing support documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions supporting next-generation reactor development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• 5+ years of engineering experience. Internship, research, and laboratory experience will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of materials science fundamentals, material properties, and degradation mechanisms.
• Experience with materials testing, characterization techniques, or qualification programs.
• Knowledge of material performance in nuclear environments, including irradiation effects, oxidation behavior, fracture mechanics, or creep mechanisms.
• Experience with graphite, silicon carbide, carbon-based materials, ceramics, or other high-temperature materials is preferred.
• Familiarity with nuclear-grade graphite, HTGR materials, advanced reactor technologies, or nuclear materials is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ASME standards, NRC licensing processes, or nuclear material requirements is a plus.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.