Materials Engineer, Coatings DevelopmentTerraPower is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to support the engineering efforts of the Core Materials Qualification team. This role will work as part of a high functioning team of engineers focused on material selection, development, and testing for next generation material and components for sodium cooled fast reactors. You will be responsible for developing coatings supporting the performance requirements of the Natrium Reactor.Responsibilities:Lead the qualification of core coatings, including material selection, testing, and vendor scaling activitiesInterface with various project teams to ensure materials development and testing efforts meet programmatic objectivesSource and screen potential coating materials and surface treatment technologies for improved friction, wear, and self-welding performanceLead vendor contracts to research, develop, and implement custom coatings and surface treatments for a high neutron fluence, high temperature sodium environmentCoordinate in sodium testing needs with testing teams using in-house and out-of-house capabilitiesWork with vendors and fabricators to procure specimens necessary to complete testing and to scale up coatings to component applications, including authoring statements of work and managing supplier performance to planOversee material property test programs at external vendors, e.g.
for neutron irradiation performance or mechanical propertiesCollect data, develop, and maintain materials databases for design and licensing needsProvide material selection guidance for TerraPower's reactor development programsCompose technical documents including test plans, test specifications, technical reports, and scientific studies related to materials and core designMaintain project schedule and ensure timely delivery of resultsPerform scientific analysis on test data and generate technical reports to document new knowledge related to materials performance and behavior, reactor design, and materials qualificationKey Qualifications and Skills:Bachelor's degree with minimum 6 years of related experience or a Master's degree and 3 years of related experience or a PhD. A degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required.Demonstrated experience developing specialized metallic and cermet coatings for extreme environments is requiredA thorough understanding of tribology and surface engineering in non-lubricated environments is requiredProficiency in writing and producing technical documentation including test reports and studies is requiredExperience writing specifications for the procurement, fabrication, or testing of materials is strongly desiredPrior experience in materials development, testing, and characterization for nuclear research or industry applications is desiredExperience working to quality standards such as ASME NQA-1, AS9100, ISO17025 or others is desiredProficiency in experimental techniques for materials analysis such as optical microscopy, microhardness, profilometry, and SEM is preferredAbility to work with minimum direction to solve challenging problems is requiredThe successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamworkJob Functions:Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.Repetitive work: ProlongedSpecial Senses: Visual and audio focused workWork Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/dayTravel required 0-10%Salary Range: $138,685 - $208,027Job Type: Full-timeBenefits:Competitive CompensationSalary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive paymentsComprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits MedicalVisionDentalLife and DisabilityGender Affirmation BenefitsParental Leave401k PlanGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO) 21 days of annually accrued PTOGenerous Holiday Schedule 10 paid holidaysRelocation AssistanceProfessional and Educational Support Opportunities