Careers

Nuclear Metallurgy 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’re inspired to apply your engineering expertise to make real-world impact, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy.

About the Role

The Senior/Principal Nuclear Metallurgy Engineer will provide technical leadership for fabrication development activities supporting the qualification and licensing of Lightbridge Fuel. This role focuses on overseeing fabrication activities conducted with national laboratories, universities, and commercial organizations, ensuring all research and development (R&D) efforts remain technically sound, within scope, and aligned with key strategic milestones. The role will also support the development of a pilot-scale fabrication facility and the implementation of material specifications that define the production of Lightbridge Fuel. 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 fuel and cladding development projects performed by 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.
• Coordinate with experimental testing projects to produce the test articles required for in-pile and out-of-pile testing of Lightbridge fuel and cladding materials.
• Collaborate with partners to analyze, curate, and interpret experimental data related to irradiation, temperature, corrosion, and other environmental effects.
• Use the results of fabrication development activities to produce fuel and cladding fabrication specifications to ensure consistent and reliable production of Lightbridge Fuel.
• 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 metallurgical processes, including casting and post-casting processes (e.g., extrusion)
• 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 in the 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 refractory alloy fabrication and processing, specifically zirconium alloys.
• Familiarity with light water reactor (LWR) environments, including core conditions and associated material challenges.
• Understanding of the performance and limitations of LWR fuel and cladding systems.
• Familiarity with behaviors of metallic materials exposed to irradiation and high‑temperature environments.

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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