Terrestrial Energy

R&D Salt Qualification Scientist/Engineer

Terrestrial Energy$90K — $120K *
Bryan, TX 77803In-Person
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or higher in Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in experimental research and materials testing, especially in molten salt environments
  • Strong understanding of physical chemistry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics as they relate to molten salts
  • Expertise in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis with tools like JMP, Python, and MATLAB
  • Knowledge of high-temperature experimental techniques, analytical chemistry, and laboratory safety practices

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement experimental programs to characterize the properties of molten salts for IMSR
  • Develop and execute reliable test procedures to meet reactor specifications
  • Conduct laboratory experiments measuring critical properties of salts while ensuring safety standards compliance
  • Analyze data using statistical tools and develop models for salt qualification
  • Oversee quality control and regulatory compliance for testing activities
  • Prepare technical reports to support regulatory submissions and present findings to regulatory bodies
  • Collaborate with design engineers and materials teams to align testing programs with reactor needs
  • Continuously improve testing methods and data analysis techniques

Benefits

  • Extended Healthcare Plan
  • Vacation policy designed for work-life balance
  • EAP Programs for you and your family
  • Wellness Subsidy
  • Annual Performance Review
  • Paid Volunteer Days
  • Career development opportunities
Full Job Description
The Salt Qualification Scientist/Engineer, under the direction of the R&D Director, is primarily responsible for leading the experimental testing and qualification of salts for Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) applications. This role will focus on designing and implementing rigorous test programs, conducting hands-on laboratory experiments, and performing detailed data analysis to characterize the properties and behavior of salts used in the reactor. The position requires strong experimental and materials testing expertise combined with hands-on laboratory experience, along with the ability to prepare technical documentation to support reactor licensing and operational needs. Within this role responsibilities include: - Design and implement experimental programs to characterize molten salt properties for IMSR applications, with a focus on material testing, chemical analysis, and long-term performance under reactor conditions - Develop and execute test procedures for thermophysical, chemical, and performance measurements that meet reactor specifications and provide reliable data for reactor qualification - Conduct laboratory experiments to measure critical salt properties, including thermal stability, chemical reactivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance. Operate experimental equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards - Analyze experimental data using statistical tools (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, Python), including uncertainty quantification, regression analysis, and data validation. Develop models and correlations to support salt qualification and performance predictions - Oversee quality control for all testing activities, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., NRC, DOE). Maintain laboratory safety standards in line with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) - Prepare technical reports and qualification documents to support regulatory submissions, including responses to NRC inquiries. Present findings to regulatory bodies during audits and meetings - Work closely with reactor design engineers to align test programs with reactor specifications. Collaborate with materials engineers, chemistry teams, and other technical teams to support corrosion, compatibility, and performance studies - Continuously evaluate and improve test methods, experimental setups, and data analysis techniques to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of salt testing programs - Support procurement and vendor qualification processes for salt materials and related supplies - Manage testing schedules, resources, and priorities to meet project milestones. Provide regular updates to the R&D Director and project teams - Provide technical guidance to junior scientists or engineers, assisting with testing and characterization activities - Present experimental results and testing approaches to internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies Core Competencies - Experimental Design - Materials Testing and Chemical Characterization - Statistical Data Analysis - Regulatory Compliance - Technical Writing and Reporting - Team Collaboration - Laboratory Skills - Clear Communication Requirements - Master's degree or higher in Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field - 5+ years of hands-on experience in experimental research and materials testing, focusing on chemical characterization in high-temperature or molten salt environments - Strong understanding of physical chemistry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics as applied to molten salts and reactor materials - Practical experience with molten salt chemistry, including corrosion and reactivity studies in high-temperature systems - Expertise in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis (e.g., regression, uncertainty quantification) - Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Python, MATLAB) for analyzing complex experimental data and developing models - Hands-on experience with thermophysical, chemical, and performance measurements of materials - Knowledge of high-temperature experimental techniques, analytical chemistry, and data acquisition systems (e.g., LIMS) - Familiarity with laboratory safety, chemical handling, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) - Understanding of nuclear quality assurance and experience preparing regulatory documentation (e.g., NRC, DOE) - Experience preparing qualification reports and technical documentation for regulatory submissions, including responses to regulatory inquiries - Proven ability to manage experimental programs, including scheduling, resource allocation, and task prioritization - Strong technical writing skills for scientific reports, regulatory documents, and communication with diverse stakeholders - Ability to present technical data to internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulators - Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams - Ability to mentor junior staff in experimental techniques, data analysis, and project execution - Commitment to staying current with emerging trends in molten salt technology and nuclear safety standards - Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, or other standards in material testing and quality assurance Assets - Experience working in nuclear industry or highly regulated environment preferred - Background in reactor materials qualification, fuel qualification, or similar programs highly desirable - Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with regulatory agencies or external auditors - Publication record in peer-reviewed journals is a plus Benefits - Extended Healthcare Plan - A vacation policy designed to support your work-life balance - EAP Programs available to you and your family - Wellness Subsidy - Annual Performance Review - Paid Volunteer Days - A chance to give back! - Career development opportunities Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter.

About Terrestrial Energy

Terrestrial Energy is a nuclear energy company that is developing a small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Terrestrial Energy's SMR technology is designed to be safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective than traditional nuclear reactors. The company's reactors use a molten salt fuel that is less prone to accidents and produces less waste than traditional nuclear fuel. Terrestrial Energy is currently working to obtain regulatory approval for its SMR technology.
Learn more about Terrestrial Energy
Industry
Founded
2013

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