Materials Scientist

About the Company

Our client is an innovative U.S.-based advanced nuclear technology company focused on the development and commercialization of next-generation micro-nuclear reactors and supporting nuclear services. Headquartered in New York with a growing engineering and research presence in Oak Brook, Illinois, the organization is helping shape the future of clean, reliable, and scalable energy.

Their work centers on microreactors—ultra-compact nuclear systems designed to provide resilient power solutions for applications ranging from data centers and critical infrastructure to remote industrial operations and defense environments. As global demand for secure, carbon-free energy continues to accelerate, the company is positioned at the forefront of the advanced nuclear renaissance.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly specialized Materials Scientist with expertise in graphite materials and their performance in nuclear environments. This role will support the development of advanced reactor technologies by providing critical insight into graphite behavior under irradiation and elevated temperature conditions.

The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of material performance within nuclear systems and will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering and reactor design teams. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge nuclear innovation while helping solve complex materials challenges that directly impact reactor safety, performance, and longevity.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and characterize graphite materials exposed to neutron irradiation and high-temperature operating environments.
• Investigate material degradation mechanisms, dimensional changes, and property evolution throughout reactor operating cycles.
• Support the development and qualification of graphite materials for advanced reactor applications.
• Analyze experimental data and develop technical recommendations related to material performance and lifecycle considerations.
• Collaborate with nuclear engineers, reactor physicists, fuel specialists, and other technical stakeholders to support reactor development programs.
• Contribute to technical reports, research publications, licensing documentation, and engineering studies as required.
• Stay informed of emerging research, industry developments, and regulatory considerations related to graphite and advanced reactor materials.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD preferred) in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in graphite irradiation behavior and material performance in nuclear environments.
• Strong understanding of how graphite responds to neutron flux, irradiation damage, and elevated operating temperatures.
• Knowledge of nuclear fuel performance and material interactions within reactor systems.

Required Skills

• Deep understanding of graphite materials and irradiation-induced property changes.
• Experience assessing material degradation, dimensional stability, creep, shrinkage, swelling, and other performance-related phenomena.
• Familiarity with material characterization techniques and experimental data analysis.
• Ability to operate effectively at the intersection of materials science and nuclear engineering.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Experience preparing technical documentation and presenting findings to scientific and engineering audiences.

Preferred Skills

• Experience within a national laboratory, research institution, university program, or advanced reactor developer.
• Prior work supporting advanced nuclear reactor, microreactor, gas-cooled reactor, or fuel development programs.
• Familiarity with nuclear materials testing, irradiation campaigns, and post-irradiation examination methodologies.
• Experience contributing to reactor licensing, safety analyses, or regulatory submissions.
• Publications, research contributions, or recognized expertise in graphite or nuclear materials science.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a pioneering organization at the forefront of advanced nuclear energy. You'll have the chance to work alongside leading scientists and engineers, contribute to technologies that could redefine global energy infrastructure, and play a meaningful role in advancing safe, reliable, and carbon-free power generation for the future.