Nuclear Materials Engineer - Remote
At Lightbridge, we’re pioneering advanced nuclear fuel technology that’s designed to make reactors safer, more efficient, and more responsive to global energy needs. Our mission is bold—and we’re looking for equally bold thinkers to help us bring it to life. If you thrive at the intersection of engineering and regulatory strategy, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy.
Position Summary
The Nuclear Materials Engineer will provide technical leadership for advanced nuclear fuel testing and qualification activities supporting the development and licensing of Lightbridge Fuel. This role focuses on overseeing experimental test programs conducted with national laboratories, universities, and commercial testing organizations, ensuring all research and development (R&D) efforts remain technically sound, within scope, and aligned with key strategic milestones. The successful candidate will play a critical role in interpreting experimental data, developing material behavior models, and advancing the qualification of next‑generation nuclear fuel.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for in‑pile and out‑of‑pile materials testing programs conducted with external research institutions.
- Manage and monitor contracted R&D efforts to ensure work is performed within scope, on schedule, and in alignment with program objectives.
- Collaborate with partners to analyze, curate, and interpret experimental data related to irradiation, temperature, corrosion, and other environmental effects.
- Develop or support the development of empirical and physics‑based material models suitable for integration into integral fuel performance codes.
- Work as part of a multi‑disciplinary engineering and scientific team supporting the licensing and qualification of Lightbridge Fuel.
- Author and present technical reports, topical reports, and research publications for internal stakeholders, commercial partners, regulators, and the broader research community.
- Communicate complex technical results clearly through written documentation and formal presentations.
- Identify emerging knowledge gaps and lead the planning and execution of future testing and development efforts as material understanding evolves.
Required Qualifications
- Strong foundational knowledge of nuclear engineering and materials science, with emphasis on nuclear fuel applications.
- One of the following education and experience combinations:
- B.S. in an engineering or science discipline with 8+ years of relevant non‑academic experience
- M.S. in an engineering or science discipline with 6+ years of relevant non‑academic experience
- Ph.D. in an engineering or science discipline with 4+ years of relevant non‑academic experience
- Demonstrated experience in technical writing and presentation of engineering analyses and research findings in professional formats.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, proactively identifying technical needs and taking initiative.
- Strong working knowledge of radiation materials science, particularly:
- Radiation damage and defect evolution in metals
- Effects of irradiation on mechanical and physical properties
- Oxidation kinetics and general corrosion behavior
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in light water reactor (LWR) environments, including core conditions and associated material challenges.
- In‑depth understanding of the performance and limitations of LWR fuel and cladding systems.
- Specialized experience with metallic materials exposed to irradiation and high‑temperature environments.
- Familiarity with irradiation testing methods in test reactors, including:
- Thermal transport and heat transfer concepts
- Design and engineering of irradiation experiments
- Creating prototypic conditions within non-prototypic test reactor environments
- Experience with finite element, multi‑physics, or materials performance modeling is highly desirable.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance bonuses, including cash and equity awards
- Remote work culture with potential travel
- 100% company-paid health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with 100% company match
- Generous Time Off and Family Care
- Up to 32 hours per year of professional development course fees covered
Apply Now
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