Materials Characterization Engineer

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

Job summary

Protingent Staffing seeks a Materials Characterization Engineer to define lab capabilities, establish mechanical-testing methods for brittle ceramics and SiC, and develop NDE approaches supporting fuel qualification and processes.

Responsibilities include hands-on specimen prep, data analysis, and coordinating with national labs and universities to transfer validated methods into the laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in materials science, ceramic engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, applied physics, or related discipline.
• Experience in mechanical testing, NDE, materials characterization, advanced ceramics, SiC, CMCs, nuclear materials.
• Hands-on specimen prep, operating test or characterization equipment, developing methods, troubleshooting instrumentation, interpreting data.

Responsibilities

• Define laboratory capabilities, equipment requirements, facility needs, commissioning priorities, and phased development plans.
• Develop characterization plans linking testing to manufacturing performance and fuel qualification objectives.
• Establish mechanical-testing methods for brittle ceramics, SiC, coated particles, FCM fuel forms, and other advanced materials.
• Develop NDE approaches, including method selection, defect detection, resolution requirements, and correlation with destructive examination.
• Conduct hands-on specimen preparation, testing, instrument operation, calibration checks, data analysis, and method optimization.
• Support fuel qualification through pre-irradiation characterization, mechanical-property measurements, defect analysis, and documented results.
• Coordinate with national labs, universities, and testing providers, reviewing external data and transferring methods into lab.

Skills

Mechanical testing

NDE

Materials characterization

Ceramics

Nuclear materials

Fracture mechanics

Process-structure-property

Education

Advanced degree in materials science/related field

PhD preferred

Tools

micro-CT

Radiography

Ultrasonics

Optical metrology

Job description

Position Title

Materials Characterization Engineer

Position Description

Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Materials Characterization Engineer opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• Define laboratory capabilities, equipment requirements, facility needs, commissioning priorities, and phased development plans.


• Develop characterization plans that connect testing and measurements to manufacturing performance, material requirements, failure mechanisms, and fuel qualification objectives.


• Establish mechanical‑testing methods for brittle ceramics, SiC, coated particles, FCM fuel forms, and other advanced materials.


• Develop NDE approaches, including method selection, defect detection, resolution requirements, and correlation with destructive examination.


• Conduct hands‑on specimen preparation, testing, instrument operation, calibration checks, data analysis, and method optimization.


• Support fuel qualification through pre‑irradiation characterization, mechanical‑property measurements, defect analysis, and controlled technical documentation.


• Coordinate with national laboratories, universities, and commercial testing providers, reviewing external data and transferring appropriate methods into laboratory.

Job Qualifications

• Advanced degree in materials science, ceramic engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.


• Experience in mechanical testing, NDE, materials characterization, advanced ceramics, SiC, ceramic‑matrix composites, nuclear materials, or comparable high‑consequence materials.


• Hands‑on experience preparing specimens, operating test or characterization equipment, developing methods, troubleshooting instrumentation, and interpreting materials data.


• Strong understanding of brittle‑material mechanics, fracture, defect characterization, interfaces, and process‑structure‑property relationships.


• Experience with at least one major NDE method, such as micro‑CT, radiography, ultrasonics/acoustic microscopy, or advanced optical/3D metrology.


• Experience developing or adapting test methods, including calibration, repeatability, measurement uncertainty, detection sensitivity, and method limitations.


• Ability to translate engineering and qualification questions into practical characterization plans and defensible technical recommendations.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline.


• Experience with TRISO fuel, FCM fuel, SiC, ceramic‑matrix composites, advanced reactor fuels, or nuclear fuel materials.


• Experience with micro‑CT, fracture mechanics, high‑temperature mechanical testing, nanoindentation, or interface characterization.


• Experience establishing or commissioning an advanced materials or nuclear fuels laboratory.


• Experience selecting and procuring characterization equipment and leading factory or site acceptance testing.


• Experience working with national laboratories, universities, fuel vendors, or independent testing laboratories.


• Familiarity with ASME NQA-1, laboratory quality assurance, equipment controls, specimen traceability, and controlled data systems.

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.