Technical Leader II - Fuel Materials & Reliability

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled technical expert in fuel reliability and performance, with a particular focus on fuel materials and cladding corrosion in commercial light water reactors (LWRs) and non-destructive fuel examination technologies. In this position, the successful candidate will lead cutting-edge research and directly engage with utilities, fuel suppliers, and national laboratories to solve some of the industry’s most complex fuel challenges. Your expertise will help drive advancements in cladding behavior, corrosion mechanisms, fuel performance, and inspection technologies—ultimately contributing to safer, reliable, and more economical electricity generation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute R&D strategies, including projects from concepts, to scopes of work, laboratory task oversight, and delivery of research results in collaboration with industry experts and stakeholders.
• Lead and support technical projects aimed at solving complex fuel reliability and performance challenges in commercial LWRs.
• Drive innovation in areas such as cladding corrosion, hydrogen pickup, crud-induced corrosion, and poolside inspection technologies.
• Present project results to utility members, leadership teams, and other industry stakeholder groups.
• Lead industry engagement through workshops, technical meetings, and other collaborative forums to influence or establish industry-wide standards and best practices.
• Travel both in US and internationally to support engagement with utilities for technology transfer and project execution.

Requirements

• Strong communication, presentation, and consensus-building skills.
• Direct experience with destructive and nondestructive evaluation techniques for irradiated nuclear reactor fuel and fuel assembly components.
• Direct experience with laboratory testing and hot cell examinations (corrosion and mechanical properties).
• Direct experience collaborating within multi-organization R&D environments (e.g., fuel suppliers, national laboratories, research institutes, utilities, etc.).
• Knowledge of fuel assembly design and manufacturing.
• Knowledge of LWR core design and operation.

Additional Attributes

• Strong communication, presentation, and consensus-building skills.
• Direct experience with destructive and nondestructive evaluation techniques for irradiated nuclear reactor fuel and fuel assembly components.
• Direct experience with laboratory testing and hot cell examinations (corrosion and mechanical properties).
• Direct experience collaborating within multi-organization R&D environments (e.g., fuel suppliers, national laboratories, research institutes, utilities, etc.).
• Knowledge of fuel assembly design and manufacturing.
• Knowledge of LWR core design and operation.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field or equivalent experience required.

Additional Job Information

This position is open to all EPRI locations, and also remote, and potential international options will be considered. The salary range for this position is $138,000 USD to $150,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location. This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan. This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay). EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases. EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy. www.epri.com