Materials Engineer & Additive Manufacturing Lead

BWXT; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work schedules

Paid time off

Professional development

Mentorship programs

Inclusive atmosphere

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Materials Engineer & Additive Manufacturing Lead to drive the development and qualification of advanced materials for next‑generation nuclear systems.

You will guide AM technology maturation and support design, fabrication, and testing of components for terrestrial microreactors and space nuclear applications. The role requires a research‑driven engineering leader with strong materials R&D and AM process development skills, plus ability to collaborate across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience; advanced degree may substitute.
• Hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing, including LPBF/EBM process development.
• Strong background in materials processing, testing, and characterization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel (<10%), domestic and international.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DOE/DOD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead BWXT’s additive manufacturing initiatives, shaping strategy and direction.
• Operate and optimize AM equipment for complex program objectives.
• Develop advanced material systems, including refractory metals and new fuel forms.
• Deliver material solutions aligned with nuclear component design and manufacturing needs.
• Oversee material characterization using SEM, XRD, rheology, and furnace testing.
• Drive continuous improvement via material development metrics.
• Conduct failure analysis and defect elimination for components.
• Prepare material performance specs and process qualification docs.
• Develop process parameters for electron beam and laser powder bed fusion.
• Communicate complex concepts to leadership and executives.
• Collaborate with design, fabrication, and research teams to resolve AM challenges.
• Maintain materials solutions meeting thermal, mechanical, electrical, environmental, chemical requirements.
• Manage research partnerships, supplier engagements, and project timelines.

Skills

Materials Science

Mechanical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Additive manufacturing

LPBF/EBM

Materials characterization

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

US citizenship

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering

Master’s or Doctorate preferred

Tools

SEM

XRD

Rheology

Furnace-based evaluation

Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.

If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.

Position Overview

As a Materials Engineer & Additive Manufacturing Lead, you will drive the development, characterization, and qualification of advanced materials for next‑generation nuclear systems. You will guide AM technology maturation, develop process innovations, and support the design, fabrication, and testing of components for terrestrial microreactors, radioisotope power systems, and space nuclear applications. This position is ideal for a research‑driven engineering leader who excels in materials R&D, AM process development, and strategic technology growth.

Location:

On-site in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office

Your Day to Day as a Materials Engineer & Additive Manufacturing Lead:

• Lead BWXT’s additive manufacturing initiatives, shaping strategy, technical direction, and business growth.
• Operate and optimize AM equipment to meet complex programmatic objectives.
• Support development of advanced material systems, including refractory metals and next‑generation nuclear fuel forms.
• Deliver innovative and economically impactful material solutions aligned with nuclear component design and manufacturing needs.
• Oversee material characterization efforts using SEM, XRD, rheology, impurity analysis, and furnace‑based evaluation techniques.
• Utilize material development metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct failure analysis and defect‑elimination for manufactured components.
• Prepare material performance specifications, process qualification documentation, and manufacturing guidance.
• Develop and refine process parameters for electron beam and laser powder bed fusion AM processes.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to leadership, including director‑and executive‑level stakeholders.
• Collaborate with design, fabrication, and research teams to resolve challenges related to AM, machining, joining, processing, and fuel‑form manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain materials solutions that meet stringent thermal, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and chemical requirements for nuclear systems.
• Manage research partnerships, supplier engagements, and vendor interactions to support technology maturation and project timelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience. An advanced degree may substitute for experience.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and experience managing complex engineering projects.
• Hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing, including LPBF/EBM process development and parameter optimization.
• Strong background in materials processing, testing, and characterization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, suppliers, and research partners.
• Ability to travel (<10%), domestic and international.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience leading AM programs and developing associated business strategies.
• Expertise with high‑temperature alloys, nickel‑based systems, stainless steels, titanium, and other power‑plant‑relevant materials.
• Experience with refractory metals (e.g., tungsten) or nuclear‑relevant materials (e.g., uranium alloys, americium, silicon carbide, zirconium nitride).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Nearest Major Market:

Lynchburg

Nearest Secondary Market:

Virginia

Job Segment:

Materials Science, Thermal Engineering, Chemical Research, Materials Engineer, Nuclear Engineering, Science, Engineering

Pay: $99,410.00 - $157,000.00

The starting hourly rate for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $99,410.00 and $157,000.00 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf