Principal Materials Engineer — Nuclear Fuels Lab Lead

Averro; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Vacation time

Relocation assistance

401k match

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Averro is seeking a senior or principal-level Materials Engineer to help build an advanced nuclear fuels materials-testing lab in Oak Ridge from scratch. This hands-on role focuses on materials characterization, mechanical testing, and fuel qualification to advance nuclear materials development.

Define lab capabilities, develop testing plans, and establish NDE methods for ceramics, SiC, and advanced fuel forms, coordinating with national labs and universities to scale capabilities in-house.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in materials science, ceramic/mechanical/nuclear engineering or related field.
• Extensive materials characterization and testing experience.
• Experience with mechanical testing, nondestructive examination, advanced ceramics or nuclear materials.
• Experience with brittle materials (SiC, ceramics).
• Knowledge of NDE methods (micro-CT, radiography, ultrasonics).
• Hands-on specimen preparation and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Define lab capabilities, equipment needs, and commissioning priorities for advanced materials testing.
• Develop characterization plans linking tests to manufacturing performance and fuel qualification.
• Establish mechanical-testing and NDE methods for brittle ceramics, SiC, and advanced fuels.
• Perform hands-on specimen prep, equipment operation, calibration, data analysis, and method optimization.
• Coordinate with national labs, universities, and testing providers to bring capabilities in-house.

Skills

Materials characterization

Mechanical testing

Nondestructive examination

Specimen preparation

Data interpretation

Troubleshooting

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in materials science or related field

Tools

NDE methods (micro-CT, radiography, ultrasonics)

Job description

Averro is seeking a senior or principal-level Materials Engineer to help build an advanced nuclear fuels materials-testing lab in Oak Ridge from scratch. This hands-on role focuses on materials characterization, mechanical testing, and fuel qualification to advance nuclear materials development.

Define lab capabilities, develop testing plans, and establish NDE methods for ceramics, SiC, and advanced fuel forms, coordinating with national labs and universities to scale capabilities in-house.