The Materials Engineer will support development, testing, and scale-up of advanced materials and manufacturing processes for Standard Nuclear. This role is focused on materials development, experimental process work, technical problem-solving, and transition of promising methods from laboratory or pilot-scale work toward reliable production capability.
The Materials Engineer will work closely with engineering, fuel development, manufacturing, quality, characterization, and operations teams to evaluate material behavior, develop and refine processing methods, support test campaigns, analyze results, and help define practical paths toward repeatable manufacturing. This role requires a hands-on technical approach, strong engineering judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where processes, equipment, and requirements may still be evolving.
Success in this role requires curiosity, discipline, clear documentation, and the ability to turn development work into usable technical knowledge that supports future manufacturing decisions.
RESPONSIBILITIESMaterials Development & Testing - Support development and refinement of advanced materials processing methods from concept, laboratory, or pilot-scale activities toward repeatable manufacturing processes
- Plan, execute, and document development activities, including test campaigns, process trials, equipment runs, and material evaluations
- Evaluate relationships between process conditions, material behavior, product attributes, yield, and repeatability
- Use experimental data, observations, characterization results, and engineering judgment to recommend next steps
- Identify technical risks, process limitations, material constraints, and improvement opportunities during development work
Process Development & Scale-Up - Support transition of materials and chemical processes from development-scale work to production-capable manufacturing methods
- Develop and optimize processing parameters to improve consistency, quality, yield, and process performance
- Work hands-on with processing equipment to support installation, operation, troubleshooting, and optimization
- Support process control strategies, operating windows, and acceptance criteria for developing manufacturing processes
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate lessons learned from development work into future production methods, procedures, and technical requirements
Materials Characterization & Technical Analysis - Work with characterization, quality, and engineering teams to evaluate material properties, product quality, and process performance
- Review characterization data, process data, test results, and production observations to identify trends and technical conclusions
- Support root cause investigations related to material behavior, process variability, yield loss, or product performance
- Help define testing needs, acceptance criteria, and evaluation methods for development activities
- Translate technical findings into clear recommendations for engineering, manufacturing, and leadership stakeholders
Engineering & Equipment Support - Contribute to the design, selection, installation, and refinement of processing systems, tooling, fixtures, and test equipment
- Work with mechanical, process, manufacturing, and facilities engineers to support development projects and scale-up efforts
- Support equipment readiness, process trials, commissioning activities, and troubleshooting of development or pilot-scale systems
- Provide input on equipment capability, maintainability, process reliability, material handling, and scale-up considerations
- Assist with technical specifications, process descriptions, equipment requirements, and process control methods
Documentation & Cross-Functional Collaboration - Document procedures, process parameters, test plans, observations, results, conclusions, and recommended next steps in accordance with company and quality expectations
- Prepare technical summaries, development reports, process documentation, and supporting materials for internal review
- Communicate technical findings, risks, issues, and recommendations clearly to engineering, development, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams
- Participate in cross-functional problem-solving, technical reviews, project planning, and process improvement activities
- Maintain strong attention to safety, quality, documentation, and technical rigor in all development work
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred
- 3+ years of experience in materials development, chemical processing, advanced manufacturing, process development, pilot-scale production, or related technical environments
- Experience with nuclear fuels, ceramic materials, powders, high-temperature materials, uranium-bearing materials, or comparable advanced materials preferred
- Relevant adjacent experience in advanced ceramics, specialty materials, batteries, semiconductors, aerospace materials, additive manufacturing, chemical process development, or high-temperature manufacturing will be considered
- Hands-on experience with processing equipment, test campaigns, pilot systems, laboratory systems, or manufacturing development activities
- Strong understanding of material behavior, process variables, experimental methods, process controls, and scale-up challenges
- Ability to evaluate process performance, yield, repeatability, product quality, and material properties using data and technical judgment
- Strong documentation, communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
BENEFITS - Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Disability and Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Work is performed in a combination of laboratory, manufacturing, and office settings.
- May involve standing for extended periods, working around equipment, or handling materials.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
