Computational Materials Engineer

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in San Diego seeks a Computational Materials Engineer to support the Nuclear Technologies and Materials division. You will model and simulate ceramic matrix composites for extreme environments, including nuclear reactor cores and hypersonic applications.

The role requires strong multi-scale materials understanding, experience with FEM tools, and programming skills. Collaboration across teams is essential, with clear documentation and communication of results.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree with progressive experience by level.
• Strong multi-scale understanding of ceramic/composite materials in extreme environments.
• Experience with thermo-mechanical materials modeling and FEM tools.
• Knowledge of nuclear design and analysis tools desirable.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB for data analysis.
• Experience with ML for modeling or surrogate models desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical solutions to optimize materials performance via analysis and simulation.
• Document findings and present reports at engineering meetings.
• Support future engineering needs for advanced materials in aerospace and nuclear contexts.
• Take technical ownership for segments of contracts.

Skills

Ceramic materials

Composite materials

Multi-scale modeling

FEM analysis

ANSYS

ABAQUS

MOOSE

MCNP

Serpent

RELAP5

Python

MATLAB

Machine learning

Nuclear design tools

Neutron transport

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

MOOSE

MCNP

Serpent

RELAP5

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We currently have an exciting position for a Computational Materials Engineer to support our Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) division in San Diego, CA. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for modeling and simulation of ceramic matrix composite materials subject to extreme environments like nuclear reactor cores, space, and hypersonic flight environments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides practical support solutions to technical engineering problems to optimize materials performance through analysis and simulation.
• Documents findings and communicates reports and technical presentations at engineering meetings, and participates in program reviews.
• Supports future NTM engineering needs and the modifications required to provide next generation materials for aerospace and nuclear environments.
• Assumes technical and engineering responsibility for segments or key portions of contracts.
• Provides technical communication within the company to management and to external customers.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Works in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Strong multi-scale understanding of ceramic or composite materials behavior in extreme environments, including:
  • Thermo-mechanical response at the component and system level
  • Damage accumulation/failure models
  • Dimensional changes (e.g., swelling, creep)
  • Material microstructural evolution (e.g., grain size evolution, irradiation defects)
  • Thermochemistry and corrosion concerns
• Knowledge of thermo-mechanical materials modeling approaches and applying those approaches in finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, MOOSE, or similar.
• Solid foundation in the fundamental physics of nuclear reactor design, including neutron transport and diffusion, reactor kinetics and dynamics, and heat generation and removal in reactor cores.
• Demonstrated experience with one or more nuclear design and analysis tools is desirable, such as:
  • Fuel performance codes for modeling fuel behavior under irradiation (e.g., BISON, FRAPCON, or similar)
  • Reactor physics codes (e.g., MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, CASMO/SIMULATE, or similar)
  • Thermal-hydraulics and safety analysis tools (e.g., RELAP5, TRACE, CTF, or similar)
• Proficiency in at least one scientific programming or scripting language (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB) for pre/post-processing, automation, and data analysis.
• Experience with the use of machine learning algorithms for modeling, data analysis, or surrogate model development is desirable.
• Ability to interpret simulation results, validate models against experimental or benchmark data, and document findings clearly.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams (reactor physics, materials design and development, thermal-hydraulics, and safety).
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately in an evolving environment, and organize work assignments to meet established schedules.
• Excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD and/or DOE security clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398