Principal Fuel Materials Scientist

Principal Fuel Materials ScientistPosition Title: Principal Fuel Materials Scientist Job ResponsibilitiesExperimental Architecture: Design and execute rigorous experimental campaigns to address qualification data gaps in the thermomechanical properties of the CVI SiC matrix under simulated extreme conditions. Vendor Campaign Oversight: Contribute directly to planning of fuel irradiation campaigns, make precise modifications to existing fuel specifications based on empirical data, and oversee external fuel fabrication with strategic vendors. In-House Capability Development: Lead the strategic roadmap for bringing critical fuel fabrication steps in-house. Develop and refine operational methodologies for sol-gel processes, TRISO particle coating, binder jet 3D printing, and internal CVI capabilities. Architect the phased transition plan from small-scale laboratory fabrication to commercial-volume process scale-up. Characterization: Develop and validate parallel fuel characterization methods to ensure internal processes meet strict regulatory standards. Materials Qualification Basis: Define the material attributes, process parameters, characterization methods, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria that demonstrate TRISO particles and ceramic-matrix fuel lots are representative, reproducible, and suitable for irradiation and safety-test qualification credit. Job QualificationsEducation: Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a strictly related highly technical discipline. TRISO & Ceramic Expertise: 5+ years of experience in nuclear-fuel, coated-particle, ceramic, or composite materials characterization and testing. Direct knowledge of kernel and coating-layer attributes, SiC or ceramic-matrix processing, defect mechanisms, microstructure, thermophysical properties, irradiation behavior, and high-temperature degradation. Method Qualification: Demonstrated ability to develop, validate, and transfer destructive and nondestructive characterization methods, including calibration, measurement uncertainty, detection limits, repeatability, reproducibility, and reference standards. Sampling & Lot Acceptance: Experience defining material lots, statistically defensible sampling plans, acceptance criteria, defect populations, and data-reduction methods for heterogeneous or low-defect-rate fuel products. Nuclear QA & Traceability: Experience executing qualification work under ASME NQA-1, 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, or equivalent nuclear QA controls with specimen identity, chain of custody, data pedigree, nonconformance, and configuration management. Specification & Scale-Up: Proven ability to translate process-structure-property relationships into controlled material and manufacturing specifications suitable for representative fuel production. Preferred Job QualificationsDirect applied experience developing chemical vapor deposition/infiltration (CVD/CVI) systems, sol-gel chemistry, or advanced binder jet 3D printing processes. Track record of successfully scaling complex materials manufacturing processes from R&D laboratory scale to commercial production. Deep materials science expertise derived from parallel, extreme-environment industries transitioning into the nuclear sector.