UF6 Deconversion / Oxide Production Process Engineer

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Ridge (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Relocation package

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Unlimited PTO

Company holidays

Parental leave

Mentorship program

Professional development

Job summary

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc. in Oak Ridge, TN is seeking a UF6 Deconversion / Oxide Production Process Engineer to develop and scale processes converting UF6 to uranium oxide products for downstream fuel-cycle manufacturing.

This hands-on role spans process chemistry, thermal treatment, powder properties, and solids handling, translating experiments into scalable, specification-driven production. You will collaborate with process engineering, analytical chemistry, uranium recovery, ceramic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience with reactor, furnaces, drying, powder handling, sampling, and troubleshooting.
• Experience connecting process variables to powder properties and downstream processing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize UF6 deconversion processes, including feed introduction, reaction control, intermediate handling, oxide formation, and product conditioning.
• Evaluate how process conditions affect oxide chemistry, particle size, morphology, surface area, moisture, density, impurities, and downstream performance.
• Execute laboratory and demonstration campaigns, including equipment startup, sampling, inspection, troubleshooting, and technical reviews.
• Develop thermal-processing approaches involving drying, calcination, atmosphere control, and other treatments for target properties.
• Improve powder collection, transfer, classification, conditioning, and sampling while minimizing contamination and material loss.
• Define off-gas and HF-management requirements with cross-functional teams of process, mechanical, controls, and safety engineers.
• Evaluate scale-up challenges involving thermal performance, gas flow, solids handling, and product consistency.
• Coordinate product specifications with uranium recovery, analytical, ceramic-processing, and fuel-manufacturing teams.
• Maintain test plans, operating parameters, technical evaluations, and controlled development records.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Nuclear engineering

Chemistry

Materials science

Ceramic engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, chemistry, materials science, or ceramic engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Oak Ridge, TN | Hybrid | Relocation Package Available

Develop the Processes That Transform Uranium Feedstocks Into Fuel-Ready Oxide Materials

Nano Nuclear Energy is seeking a UF6 Deconversion / Oxide Production Process Engineer to develop and scale processes that convert uranium hexafluoride (UF6) into uranium oxide products for downstream fuel-cycle and fuel-manufacturing applications.

This is a hands-on engineering opportunity to advance process chemistry, thermal treatment, powder-property control, and solids handling while working directly in laboratory and demonstration facilities. You will help translate experimental results into process improvements and establish product characteristics that meet downstream manufacturing requirements.

Reporting to the VP of Fuel Technologies, you will collaborate with process engineering, analytical chemistry, uranium recovery, ceramic processing, and fuel manufacturing teams.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Own process development: Drive deconversion process maturation, thermal treatment, product conditioning, and process troubleshooting.
• Work hands-on: Participate in experimental campaigns, equipment operation, sampling, and product evaluation.
• Connect chemistry to material performance: Influence oxide composition, particle characteristics, purity, and downstream processability.
• Support technology scale-up: Identify scale-dependent challenges and establish the technical basis for larger-scale equipment.
• Shape downstream integration: Help ensure oxide products meet the needs of subsequent fuel-cycle and manufacturing processes.

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize UF6 deconversion processes, including feed introduction, reaction control, intermediate handling, oxide formation, and product conditioning.
• Evaluate how process conditions affect oxide chemistry, particle size, morphology, surface area, moisture, density, impurities, and downstream performance.
• Execute laboratory and demonstration-facility campaigns, including equipment startup, sampling, inspection, troubleshooting, and technical reviews.
• Develop thermal-processing approaches involving drying, calcination, atmosphere control, and other treatments required for target product properties.
• Improve powder collection, transfer, classification, conditioning, and sampling while minimizing contamination and material loss.
• Define off-gas and HF-management requirements in collaboration with process, mechanical, controls, and safety engineers.
• Evaluate scale-up challenges involving thermal performance, gas flow, solids handling, and product consistency.
• Coordinate product specifications with uranium recovery, analytical, ceramic-processing, and fuel-manufacturing teams.
• Maintain test plans, operating parameters, technical evaluations, and controlled development records.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, chemistry, materials science, ceramic engineering, or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in uranium oxide production, deconversion, thermal processing, powder processing, chemical reaction engineering, or comparable materials manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory, bench, pilot, or demonstration systems involving reactors, furnaces, drying, powder handling, sampling, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to connect process variables to powder chemistry and physical properties and evaluate suitability for downstream processing.
• Experience preparing test plans, defining operating parameters, documenting results, and developing technical evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Direct UF6 deconversion or uranium oxide manufacturing experience.
• Experience with calcination, reduction, rotary kilns, fluidized systems, powder conditioning, or controlled-atmosphere furnaces.
• Experience developing oxide feedstocks for nuclear fuel or advanced ceramic applications.
• Nuclear quality or radiological facility experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
• Relocation package available.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% company match.
• Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Mentorship, technical leadership, and professional development opportunities.

E3 - Senior Engineer I $110k-$160k

E4 - Senior Engineer II $135k - $185k

E5 - Principal Engineer I $160k - $215k

E6 - Principal Engineer II $185k -$255k

Ready to Advance Uranium Oxide Manufacturing?

If you bring hands-on process engineering experience and enjoy solving complex reaction, thermal-processing, and materials challenges, we invite you to explore this opportunity with Nano Nuclear Energy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.