Materials Engineer

Thomas Thor is seeking a highly capable Materials Engineer (Contractor) to join a high-performing team of engineers focused on materials processing, supply chain development, and supplier qualification for next-generation components supporting out client’s small module reactor technology.

This role will play a key part in developing material property correlations and performance models that predict complex material behaviors under advanced nuclear conditions. The models you create will directly inform the design and licensing of our client’s nuclear reactor, one of the most innovative clean energy systems in development today.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile and analyze datasets from literature related to physical and mechanical properties, creep, fatigue, corrosion, irradiation, and fracture behavior.

• Perform qualification of existing data in accordance with ASME NQA-1-2015 standards.

• Develop material property correlations and advanced performance models to support design and analysis of reactor systems, structures, and components.

• Plan, execute, and oversee materials testing programs to address data gaps.

• Perform quantitative and statistical analysis of test data and produce detailed technical reports documenting findings.

• Update and maintain a Python-based materials database and associated design handbooks for the Natrium project.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with equivalent background.

• Strong understanding of metallurgy, including fabrication and thermomechanical processing of ferrous (ferritic-martensitic steels) and nonferrous (nickel-base) alloys.

• General knowledge of nuclear reactor design and its implications on materials performance is a plus.

• Experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, and materials testing.

• Familiarity with Python or similar tools for data management and modeling.

• Proven ability to work independently, think critically, and solve complex technical challenges.

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Thomas-Thor provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Rebekah Lauren Morris