Principal Materials Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Materials Engineer

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Pay Rate: Senior Engineer $135,000 - $185,000; Principal Engineer $160,000 - $255,000

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Relocation Assistance, 401k match, unlimited PTO, and more!

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking a senior or principal-level Materials Engineer for an advanced nuclear fuel development company. This is a founding, hands-on lab role, where you will help build an advanced fuels materials-testing lab in Oak Ridge from scratch. This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in materials characterization, mechanical testing, and fuel qualification looking to further their career in advanced nuclear materials.

• Define laboratory capabilities, equipment requirements, facility needs, and commissioning priorities for advanced materials testing.
• Develop characterization plans that connect testing and measurements to manufacturing performance, material requirements, and fuel qualification objectives.
• Establish mechanical-testing and nondestructive examination (NDE) methods for brittle ceramics, SiC, coated particles, and advanced fuel forms.
• Conduct hands-on specimen preparation, equipment operation, calibration, data analysis, and method optimization.
• Coordinate with national laboratories, universities, and commercial testing providers to transition appropriate capabilities in-house.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in materials science, ceramic engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, or related discipline.
• Extensive Materials characterization and testing experience
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical testing, nondestructive examination, advanced ceramics, SiC, ceramic-matrix composites, or nuclear materials.
• Brittle-material mechanical testing (SiC, ceramics) experience
• Experience with NDE methods (micro-CT, radiography, ultrasonics)
• Test-method development: calibration, repeatability, measurement uncertainty, and detection limits.
• Hands-on expertise in specimen preparation, equipment operation, method development, troubleshooting, and materials data interpretation.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with TRISO fuel, FCM fuel, advanced reactor fuels, or nuclear fuel materials.
• Experience establishing or commissioning an advanced materials or nuclear fuels laboratory.
• Familiarity with ASME NQA-1, laboratory quality assurance, equipment controls, and controlled data systems.

WHY AVERRO?

Averro is a veteran-owned staffing and solutions firm connecting top talent with cutting-edge companies. With 20+ years of experience and industry-specialized recruiters in your corner, we're here to propel your career forward.

Averro is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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