Nuclear Fuel Development Engineer

Responsibilities

• Fuel Development & Process Engineering: Support development and optimization of nuclear fuel fabrication processes.
• Assist with planning and execution of experiments, process trials, and technical demonstrations.
• Evaluate process parameters, operating conditions, and material behavior to improve repeatability and product consistency.
• Support scale-up of fuel development activities from laboratory or pilot work into manufacturing workflows.
• Identify process limitations, sources of variation, and opportunities for yield or throughput improvement.

Materials Processing & Fabrication

• Support hands-on work involving nuclear fuel materials, powders, ceramics, chemical processing, thermal processing, and related fabrication steps.
• Absorb and track materials according to approved procedures.
• Work with technicians and operators to support equipment setup, process readiness, and production execution.
• Help troubleshoot process issues, equipment limitations, and material performance concerns.
• Support development of tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and process documentation as needed.

Characterization, Testing & Data Analysis

• Coordinate with characterization and quality teams to evaluate material properties, product attributes, and process results.
• Review and analyze data from process runs, inspections, measurements, and characterization activities.
• Use data to identify trends, assess process performance, and support technical decision-making.
• Prepare technical summaries, test reports, process records, and data packages.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions related to material or process deviations.

Making Connections Across Functions

• Work closely with manufacturing, quality, characterization, EH&S, radiological controls, licensing, and supply chain teams.
• Ensure development activities are planned and executed with safety, quality, traceability, and manufacturability in mind.
• Develop process flows, material movement plans, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Translate engineering requirements into practical production methods and procedures.
• Communicate technical status, risks, and results clearly to project and technical stakeholders.

Documentation, Quality & Compliance

• Develop and maintain technical documentation including procedures, work instructions, test plans, process records, and reports.
• Ensure work is documented clearly, accurately, and in accordance with company requirements.
• Support audit readiness, configuration control, and traceability of fuel development activities.
• Follow applicable safety, radiological, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Support continuous improvement of procedures, workflows, and technical practices as programs mature.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–4 years of experience in nuclear fuels, materials processing, chemical processing, ceramics, powders, fuel fabrication, or related technical work (preferred).
• Hands-on experience in laboratory, pilot, manufacturing, or regulated technical environments.
• Familiarity with nuclear fuel fabrication, fuel materials, uranium processing, ceramic processing, powder handling, thermal processing, or advanced materials manufacturing (preferred).
• Experience supporting process development, experimental execution, process troubleshooting, or manufacturing scale-up.
• Strong technical writing skills and experience preparing procedures, test plans, reports, or controlled documentation.
• Ability to analyze technical data and develop clear conclusions from process, test, or characterization results.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and procedural compliance.
• Experience in nuclear, DOE, NRC, national laboratory, aerospace, defense, chemical processing, energy, or other regulated environments (plus).

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account.
• Disability and Life Insurance.
• 401K Plan.
• Paid Time Off, Holidays.