Job Title:
Advanced Nuclear Fuel - Technical Leader II

Location:
Charlotte, NC, Dallas, TX, Knoxville, TN, Remote/Home Based

Job Summary and Description:

The Technical Leader II for Advanced Nuclear Fuel will conduct and lead applied research in complex, high-impact technical areas related to nuclear fuel behavior and performance. This individual will conduct research related to revolutionary ceramic, metallic, coated particle, and molten salt nuclear fuels, applying experience gained from either light water reactor fuel or advanced reactor fuel programs in a manner broadly applicable to multiple fuel types and reactor concepts.

The role combines strategic technical thinking defining logical research pathways and sequencing future work with tactical execution of near-term research and development activities. The successful candidate will work across programs, collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners, manage contractors, and deliver high-quality technical products that support fuel development, performance understanding, and regulatory decision-making.

This role will plan, manage, and lead research and development (R&D) projects within the Advanced Nuclear Technology Program. The role will interface directly with EPRI members, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), national laboratories, and regulatory stakeholders to identify needs, shape research portfolios, and deliver impactful technical products

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Research and Analysis

• Apply fuel performance and optimization knowledge across various fuel types, ensuring technical outputs are broadly transferable across fuel and reactor concepts, where applicable.
• Develop and execute technical approaches to address research gaps, performance uncertainties, and emerging fuel design challenges.
• Lead creation and/or integration of experimental data, modeling results, and literature to develop defensible technical conclusions and recommendations.

Program Execution and Strategic Support

• Contribute to defining logical next steps in advanced fuel research programs, including identifying priorities, sequencing work, and differentiating near-term deliverables from longer-term research needs.
• Support program planning and execution by aligning technical work with evolving business strategies and stakeholder priorities.
• Coordinate activities across programs to ensure consistency, avoid duplication, and leverage related work performed elsewhere.

Regulatory and Fuel Lifecycle Awareness

• Apply familiarity with global regulatory requirements affecting nuclear fuel, including considerations relevant to licensing, safety analysis, and performance acceptance.
• Preferably bring experience across multiple stages of the fuel lifecycle (front end, reactor operation, and back end) to inform research direction and interpretation of results.
• Support development of technical bases used for regulatory interactions, industry standards, guidance documents, and industry communications.

Collaboration, Contractors, and External Engagement

• Work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment and demonstrate flexibility to support varied work scopes and cross-program initiatives.
• Identify, engage, and manage external contractors, including development of scopes of work, technical oversight, and review of deliverables.
• Maintain and expand relationships with fuel developers, manufacturers, researchers, and regulators; leverage an existing professional network where possible.

Communication and Technical Writing

• Produce high-quality technical reports, analyses, and presentations suitable for expert audiences, program members, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate research methods, assumptions, results, and limitations in written and verbal formats.
• Participate in technical meetings, workshops, and conferences to share results and exchange insights with the broader fuel community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with nuclear fuel-related regulatory frameworks and licensing processes.
• Experience across multiple phases of the nuclear fuel lifecycle (front end, operation, back end).
• Established professional network within the nuclear fuel community (developers, manufacturers, regulators, national laboratories, universities).
• Advanced degree in nuclear engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent applied experience).

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in technical field required
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) is preferred
• Significant relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree
• 8-10 years of demonstrated experience in R&D projects
• Advanced Reactors fuel, fabrication, qualification and performance or equivalent technical experience
• R&D project management and execution
• Excellent communication skills include oral presentations and abilities to summarize and explain research results to a diverse audience.

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).