Materials Engineer, Moderator Materials

The role

The Materials Engineer will own the development, testing, and qualification of in-core moderator and reflector materials and related manufacturing processes for the Kaleidos 1MW nuclear microreactor. This role involves planning materials testing, leading R&D efforts, and providing guidance in materials selection.

What you will do

• Plan and execute materials testing to obtain material properties to inform design decisions.
• Develop and qualify application-specific manufacturing processes such as graphitization, hot isostatic pressing, extrusion, etc.
• Provide expert guidance in materials selection for moderator and reflector components within Kaleidos.
• Lead R&D efforts for advanced moderator and reflector materials.
• Develop and execute test campaigns to qualify moderator and reflector materials using in-house equipment and outside labs.
• Evaluate data quality and accuracy of material property data for use in company materials database.
• Define or improve manufacturing processes of components to achieve desired material properties.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering with a materials science and engineering focus.
• 2+ years of experience working in the development, testing, and/or analysis of materials for demanding load cases and environments
• Hands-on experimental or testing experience in laboratory or production environments

Nice to have

• Master’s or PhD degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering with a materials science and engineering fo
• Experience with development and qualification of nuclear moderator and reflector materials for high temperature and irradiation environments.
• Knowledge of standard test methods for materials and experience with development of design allowables.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with design and operations teams to deliver high-value results.
• Experience with using text-based software development tools (Python or similar).

Benefits

• Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
• Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
• One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
• Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
• Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
• Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
• 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents.
• Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
• Nuclear Engineering Certificate Program: 100% covered educational program with Penn State University, for eligible employees.
• Daily catered lunch.
• Free snacks and drinks.
• Flexible PTO policy.

Before you apply

• Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

About the company

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based company building the world's only mass-produced, transportable nuclear microreactors. Founded in 2020, Radiant is under contract to deliver power to the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force.