Fuel Development Lead - TRISO

Cb•Palm Beach Gardens, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

AMPERA is redefining clean, sovereign energy with compact, ultra-safe nuclear systems that power AI, industry, and defense with zero emissions and unmatched reliability. Our modular micro-reactors combine the best of fusion and fission to deliver scalable, deployable, and inherently safe energy anywhere — from AI data centers to remote or defense operations. As a fast-growing company, AMPERA blends the agility of a startup with the ambition of a global energy innovator. Joining us means becoming part of a bold mission to revolutionize how the world generates power through advanced nuclear design, next-generation manufacturing, and materials innovation. Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Fuel Development Lead with a strong background in nuclear materials, TRISO fuel design, and advanced manufacturing integration. This individual will lead the development of AMPERA’s next-generation fuel systems that power our compact micro-reactors — including the integration of Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) additive manufacturing techniques for precision fuel fabrication. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in nuclear fuel engineering and a passion for translating research into scalable, manufacturable solutions that redefine how clean nuclear power is produced and delivered.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
8+ years of experience in nuclear fuel design, TRISO or advanced fuel R&D, or irradiation testing.
Deep knowledge of nuclear materials, fuel cycle design, and irradiation behavior.
Experience with additive manufacturing, particularly metal or ceramic printing methods.
Familiarity with neutronics and thermal analysis tools (MCNP, SCALE, COMSOL, ANSYS, etc.).
Strong understanding of NRC/DOE fuel qualification processes and safety standards.
Proven leadership in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
U.S. citizenship or eligibility for security clearance may be required.

Responsibilities

Lead R&D for TRISO-based fuel forms optimized for AMPERA’s hybrid reactor systems.
Develop material specifications, fuel geometries, and coating processes compatible with Liquid Metal Jetting manufacturing.
Collaborate with additive manufacturing and materials science teams to optimize print parameters, sintering, and encapsulation techniques.
Conduct fuel performance modeling, irradiation testing, and post-irradiation evaluations (PIE).
Define QA/QC protocols, safety standards, and regulatory documentation aligned with NRC and DOE guidelines.
Evaluate new material candidates (ceramic matrices, refractory metals, moderators) for improved performance and longevity.
Lead supplier engagement, academic collaborations, and R&D partnerships related to fuel development.
Contribute to reactor physics models and neutronics simulations by providing validated fuel data.
Provide technical mentorship to fuel engineers and coordinate cross-disciplinary design reviews.