Materials Characterization Engineer

Role details

Materials Characterization Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN | Hybrid | Relocation Package Available

Build the Laboratory Capabilities Advancing Next-Generation Nuclear Fuel

Nano Nuclear Energy is seeking a Materials Characterization Engineer to help establish and lead advanced materials testing capabilities supporting fuel development, manufacturing, and qualification. This is an opportunity to shape a laboratory from the ground up, influence equipment and testing strategies, and apply hands-on expertise to complex materials challenges across advanced nuclear fuel technologies.

Reporting to the VP of Fuels Technology, you will help define the laboratory's capabilities, develop characterization methods, and transition testing from external laboratories to in-house operations. The role combines laboratory development, technical decision-making, and hands-on testing.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Build a laboratory: Help define, equip, commission, and mature Nano Nuclear Energy's advanced fuels laboratory.
• Shape technical strategy: Establish mechanical-testing and nondestructive examination (NDE) capabilities and recommend characterization approaches.
• Hands-on technical leadership: Develop methods, operate equipment, troubleshoot testing challenges, and interpret complex materials data.
• Support advanced fuel development: Work with TRISO-containing fuel forms, ceramics, SiC coatings, interfaces, and qualification specimens.
• Influence laboratory capability development: Evaluate equipment, coordinate external testing partners, and bring key characterization capabilities in-house.

What You'll Do

• Define laboratory capabilities, equipment requirements, facility needs, commissioning priorities, and phased development plans.
• Develop characterization plans that connect testing and measurements to manufacturing performance, material requirements, failure mechanisms, and fuel qualification objectives.
• Establish mechanical-testing methods for brittle ceramics, SiC, coated particles, FCM fuel forms, and other advanced materials.
• Develop NDE approaches, including method selection, defect detection, resolution requirements, and correlation with destructive examination.
• Conduct hands-on specimen preparation, testing, instrument operation, calibration checks, data analysis, and method optimization.
• Support fuel qualification through pre-irradiation characterization, mechanical-property measurements, defect analysis, and controlled technical documentation.
• Coordinate with national laboratories, universities, and commercial testing providers, reviewing external data and transferring appropriate methods into Nano's laboratory.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in materials science, ceramic engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in mechanical testing, NDE, materials characterization, advanced ceramics, SiC, ceramic-matrix composites, nuclear materials, or comparable high-consequence materials.
• Hands-on experience preparing specimens, operating test or characterization equipment, developing methods, troubleshooting instrumentation, and interpreting materials data.
• Strong understanding of brittle-material mechanics, fracture, defect characterization, interfaces, and process-structure-property relationships.
• Experience with at least one major NDE method, such as micro-CT, radiography, ultrasonics/acoustic microscopy, or advanced optical/3D metrology.
• Experience developing or adapting test methods, including calibration, repeatability, measurement uncertainty, detection sensitivity, and method limitations.
• Ability to translate engineering and qualification questions into practical characterization plans and defensible technical recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with TRISO fuel, FCM fuel, SiC, ceramic-matrix composites, advanced reactor fuels, or nuclear fuel materials.
• Experience with micro-CT, fracture mechanics, high-temperature mechanical testing, nanoindentation, or interface characterization.
• Experience establishing or commissioning an advanced materials or nuclear fuels laboratory.
• Experience selecting and procuring characterization equipment and leading factory or site acceptance testing.
• Experience working with national laboratories, universities, fuel vendors, or independent testing laboratories.
• Familiarity with ASME NQA-1, laboratory quality assurance, equipment controls, specimen traceability, and controlled data systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
• Relocation package available.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% company match.
• Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Mentorship, technical leadership, and professional development opportunities.

E3 - Senior Engineer I $110k-$160k

E4 - Senior Engineer II $135k - $185k

E5 - Principal Engineer I $160k - $215k

E6 – Principal Engineer II $185k -$255k

Ready to Shape Advanced Fuels Characterization?

If you combine hands-on materials testing expertise with the ability to develop laboratory capabilities and solve complex characterization challenges, we invite you to explore this opportunity with Nano Nuclear Energy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.