Fuel Ceramic Engineer

Protingent; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent Staffing is seeking a Fuel Ceramic Engineer for our Oak Ridge, TN site. You will lead development of ceramic feedstocks, optimize processing, and ensure TRISO particle distribution meets stringent quality targets through scale-up from lab to production.

The role requires hands-on experience with high-temperature processing, strong technical writing, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver reliable fuel qualification and manufacturing improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline.
• Experience in advanced ceramics, ceramic composites, nuclear fuel, powder processing, or high-temperature materials.
• Hands-on experience preparing ceramic materials and operating fabrication/thermal-processing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of ceramic processing, densification, microstructure, dimensional control and defect mechanisms.
• Ability to connect process parameters with material properties and translate lab methods into controlled pilot or production processes.
• Strong technical writing, experimental planning, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ceramic feedstocks, powders, binders, forming methods, thermal processing, densification, and finishing.
• Establish process parameters and controls to achieve target material properties and TRISO distribution while minimizing defects.
• Execute fabrication campaigns, operate equipment, troubleshoot processes, and evaluate material performance.
• Investigate manufacturing defects and implement improvements to process consistency, quality, and yield.
• Develop scale-up strategies from laboratory fabrication to pilot and production-scale manufacturing.
• Maintain technical records, process traceability, and characterization data to support fuel qualification.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to align fabrication processes with downstream coating and qualification requirements.

Skills

Ceramic processing

Densification

Microstructure

Dimensional control

Defect mechanisms

Problem solving

Technical writing

Experimental planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering

Job description

Position Title: Fuel Ceramic Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Fuel Ceramic Engineer opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ceramic feedstocks, powders, binders, forming methods, thermal processing, densification, and finishing.
• Establish process parameters and controls to achieve target material properties, dimensions, and TRISO particle distribution while minimizing defects.
• Execute fabrication campaigns, operate equipment, troubleshoot processes, and evaluate material performance.
• Investigate manufacturing defects and implement improvements to process consistency, quality, and yield.
• Develop scale-up strategies for progressing from laboratory fabrication to pilot and production-representative manufacturing.
• Maintain technical records, process traceability, and characterization data to support fuel qualification.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to align fabrication processes with downstream coating and qualification requirements.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in advanced ceramics, ceramic composites, nuclear fuel, powder processing, high-temperature materials, or comparable manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience preparing ceramic materials, operating fabrication or thermal-processing equipment, and troubleshooting experimental processes.
• Strong knowledge of ceramic processing, densification, microstructure, dimensional control, and defect mechanisms.
• Ability to connect process parameters with material properties and translate laboratory methods into controlled pilot or production-intent processes.
• Strong technical writing, experimental planning, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Advanced technical degree.
• Experience with FCM fuel, TRISO-containing fuel forms, SiC matrix materials, or ceramic-matrix composites.
• Experience with additive ceramic manufacturing, binder jetting, pressing, molding, or slurry-based processing.
• Familiarity with high-temperature furnaces, ceramic machining, tight-tolerance components, and materials inspection.
• Experience with manufacturing scale-up, ASME NQA-1, nuclear material traceability, or configuration control.

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $110-$255K Location: Oak Ridge, TN (Onsite). Due to government contract requirements, this position is restricted to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residential or GC Holder only.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.