Our client is seeking a Contractor to provide the following services as part of the Natrium Materials Testing and Characterization team. This role will provide support as part of a high functioning team of engineers focused on materials testing, characterization, and supplier qualification for next generation materials and components for sodium cooled fast reactors. You will be responsible for a wide range of materials testing activities at partners, suppliers, and in a laboratory environment.

Tasks

• Oversee and develop test programs for material performance and degradation (e.g., physical property measurement, mechanical testing, neutron irradiation, etc)
• Develop test requirements, plans, specifications, and procedures for testing unique materials in complex environments, including liquid metal sodium
• Lead large-scale cooperative projects for materials testing and development with external collaborators, partners, and suppliers
• Maintain project schedule and ensure timely delivery of results
• Conduct testing and material characterization in a laboratory environment
• External procurements of materials, equipment, and testing services, including authoring procurement requisitions and managing supplier performance to plan
• Perform scientific analysis on test data and generate technical reports to document new knowledge related to materials performance and behavior, reactor design, and materials qualification
• Engage with the design, fabrication, and operation of custom laboratory experiments

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors degree with minimum 6 years of related experience; or a Masters degree with minimum 3 years of related experience. A degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline is required.
• Prior experience in materials testing and characterization for nuclear research or industry applications is desired but not required
• A thorough understanding of mechanical testing for both metallic, ceramics, and hardfacing coatings is required
• Experience working with a variety of materials including metallics and hardfacing coatings is desired
• Proficiency in conducting mechanical testing in extreme environments is required
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience is required
• Metallography and SEM-EDS experience are required
• Proficiency in writing and producing technical documentation including test reports and studies
• Experience cooperating with external project partners/collaborators and suppliers for technical scopes of work is highly desired
• Proficiency in experimental techniques for materials testing, characterization, and analysis is required
• Experience working to quality standards such as ASME NQA-1 is preferred
• Strong communication skills desired.
• The service provider will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect, and a desire to foster teamwork.