Ceramic Materials Engineer | High-Temp Nuclear Systems

Protingent; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Ceramic Materials Engineer to support the design, evaluation, and qualification of SiC and graphite components for advanced reactor systems in Oak Brook, IL.

The role requires a BS in a relevant field and 5+ years of engineering experience, with familiarity in nuclear materials, materials testing, and publications. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality material performance under demanding conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience; internship, research, and laboratory experience are applicable.
• Understanding of materials science fundamentals, material properties, and degradation mechanisms.
• Knowledge of material performance in a nuclear reactor environment, including irradiation effects, oxidation behavior, fracture mechanics, or creep mechanisms.
• Experience with materials testing, characterization techniques, or qualification programs.
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate engineering conclusions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, evaluation, and qualification of SiC and graphite components used in advanced reactor systems.
• Analyze SiC and graphite material properties including thermal conductivity, strength, oxidation resistance, creep behavior, and dimensional stability.
• Support graphite material selection, procurement specifications, and supplier technical evaluations.
• Perform engineering analyses related to performance in a high-temperature reactor environment.
• Evaluate SiC and graphite behavior under thermal gradients, irradiation conditions, and operational environments.
• Support development of material qualification plans, test requirements, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, nuclear, and systems engineering teams.
• Review technical literature and industry data related to material performance in HTGR applications.
• Prepare engineering reports, calculations, presentations, and licensing support documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Independent work

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Protingent is seeking a Ceramic Materials Engineer to support the design, evaluation, and qualification of SiC and graphite components for advanced reactor systems in Oak Brook, IL.

The role requires a BS in a relevant field and 5+ years of engineering experience, with familiarity in nuclear materials, materials testing, and publications. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality material performance under demanding conditions.