Position OverviewNANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a
Graphite Engineer to support the development, analysis, and qualification of graphite components for advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) systems. This role provides an opportunity for an early-career materials or mechanical engineer to develop specialized expertise in nuclear graphite behavior while contributing to the design of next-generation microreactor technologies.
The successful candidate will support graphite material selection, characterization, mechanical and thermal performance evaluations, and component qualification activities. Experienced candidates with expertise in nuclear graphite, high-temperature materials, irradiation effects, or advanced reactor systems are encouraged to apply and may provide technical leadership in materials qualification and design activities.
Key Responsibilities- Support the design, evaluation, and qualification of graphite components used in advanced reactor systems.
- Analyze graphite material properties including thermal conductivity, strength, oxidation resistance, creep behavior, and dimensional stability.
- Support material selection, procurement specifications, and supplier technical evaluations.
- Perform engineering analyses related to high-temperature graphite performance.
- Evaluate graphite behavior under thermal gradients, irradiation conditions, and operational environments.
- Support development of material qualification plans, test requirements, and technical documentation.
- Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, nuclear, and systems engineering teams.
- Review technical literature and industry data related to graphite performance in HTGR applications.
- Prepare engineering reports, calculations, presentations, and licensing support documentation.
- Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
- 0-5 years of engineering experience; internship, research, and laboratory experience are applicable.
- Understanding of materials science fundamentals, material properties, and degradation mechanisms.
- Ability to analyze technical data and communicate engineering conclusions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Experience with graphite, carbon-based materials, ceramics, or high-temperature materials.
- Experience with nuclear-grade graphite or HTGR materials.
- Knowledge of irradiation effects, oxidation behavior, fracture mechanics, or creep mechanisms.
- Experience with materials testing, characterization techniques, or qualification programs.
- Familiarity with ASME standards, NRC licensing processes, or nuclear material requirements.
- Experience with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python.
What We Offer - A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
- Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
