Fuel Development Lead - TRISO

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Donation matching
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Wellness resources

Fuel Development Lead (TRISO & Liquid Metal Jetting Integration)

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

About AMPERA

AMPERA is redefining clean, sovereign energy with compact, ultra-safe nuclear systems that power AI, industry, and defense with zero emissions and unmatched reliability . Our modular micro-reactors combine the best of fusion and fission to deliver scalable, deployable, and inherently safe energy anywhere from AI data centers to remote or defense operations.

As a fast-growing company, AMPERA blends the agility of a startup with the ambition of a global energy innovator. Joining us means becoming part of a bold mission to revolutionize how the world generates power through advanced nuclear design, next-generation manufacturing, and materials innovation.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Fuel Development Lead with a strong background in nuclear materials, TRISO fuel design, and advanced manufacturing integration . This individual will lead the development of AMPERAs next-generation fuel systems that power our compact micro-reactors including the integration of Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) additive manufacturing techniques for precision fuel fabrication.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in nuclear fuel engineering and a passion for translating research into scalable, manufacturable solutions that redefine how clean nuclear power is produced and delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D for TRISO-based fuel forms optimized for AMPERAs hybrid reactor systems.
• Develop material specifications, fuel geometries, and coating processes compatible with Liquid Metal Jetting manufacturing.
• Collaborate with additive manufacturing and materials science teams to optimize print parameters, sintering, and encapsulation techniques.
• Conduct fuel performance modeling, irradiation testing, and post-irradiation evaluations (PIE).
• Define QA/QC protocols, safety standards, and regulatory documentation aligned with NRC and DOE guidelines.
• Evaluate new material candidates (ceramic matrices, refractory metals, moderators) for improved performance and longevity.
• Lead supplier engagement, academic collaborations, and R&D partnerships related to fuel development.
• Contribute to reactor physics models and neutronics simulations by providing validated fuel data.
• Provide technical mentorship to fuel engineers and coordinate cross-disciplinary design reviews.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in nuclear fuel design, TRISO or advanced fuel R&D, or irradiation testing.
• Deep knowledge of nuclear materials, fuel cycle design, and irradiation behavior .
• Experience with additive manufacturing, particularly metal or ceramic printing methods .
• Familiarity with neutronics and thermal analysis tools (MCNP, SCALE, COMSOL, ANSYS, etc.).
• Strong understanding of NRC/DOE fuel qualification processes and safety standards.
• Proven leadership in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility for security clearance may be required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision, STD, LTD, Life/AD&D and 401(k).
• Opportunity to pioneer advanced nuclear fuel technologies driving the next generation of clean energy.
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment that fosters technical excellence and innovation.
• Career advancement potential as AMPERA expands its fuel development and reactor manufacturing programs.