Fuel Ceramic Engineer - TRISO Processing Expert

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

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.