Senior Technical Expert, Nuclear Material Testing and Analysis Facility

SGS • State College, PA

11d

About The Position

SGS is seeking a PhD-level Technical Expert to serve as the primary scientific and engineering authority for MP Machinery and Testing, LLC (MPM), a specialized materials testing and analysis business acquired by SGS. Based in State College, Pennsylvania, MPM serves the nuclear sector and other high-reliability industries, developing and standardizing advanced tests and designing and manufacturing specialized testing equipment. Its work includes testing and analyzing mechanical properties of radioactive materials, neutron transport analysis, failure analysis, and surveillance capsule testing.

The Technical Expert will work with the Management and Engineering Teams and guide testing methodologies, technical compliance, research and development, and service quality. The role provides technical leadership across materials testing, analysis, and equipment design; supports customer projects and complex investigations; and develops the capabilities and expertise of engineers, technicians, and project managers. The successful candidate will be a permanent, full-time employee of SGS.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in materials testing, fracture mechanics, nuclear engineering, or highly complex technical and quality assurance-driven industries.
• Expert-level understanding of fracture mechanics, fatigue, corrosion, and high-temperature material behavior.
• Demonstrated experience with ASTM, ASME, and nuclear regulatory codes.
• Proven technical leadership in an R&D or laboratory environment.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to identify, target, and execute growth strategies.
• Ability to foster close client relationships.
• Can-do attitude and willingness to perform hands-on work or present to senior leadership.
• Commercial mindset and ability to understand client needs and develop a value proposition based on client feedback.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a laboratory accredited to a standard such as ISO/IEC 17025.
• Background in the design and manufacture of custom test equipment.
• Hands-on experience with Charpy impact testing, tensile testing, creep testing, or corrosion testing in harsh environments.
• Existing relationships with the NRC, DOE, or nuclear utilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as MP Machinery and Testing’s lead technical resource for materials testing, analysis, and equipment design questions.
• Review, validate, and approve technical methodologies, calculations, results, and reports for customer deliverables.
• Ensure testing processes comply with nuclear industry codes, ASTM standards, ASME specifications, and customer requirements.
• Lead development of new testing capabilities and innovative equipment designs.
• Oversee technology transfer from research and development into production testing and manufacturing.
• Evaluate and integrate new analysis tools, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Participate in relevant industry working groups on behalf of MP Machinery and Testing.
• Provide technical guidance during proposal development, customer meetings, and project kickoffs.
• Act as a technical advisor to key clients in nuclear, aerospace, and other complex technical and quality assurance-driven industries.
• Support root cause failure analyses, material property investigations, and complex problem resolution.
• Coach and mentor engineers, technicians, and project managers in materials science and testing principles.
• Develop and execute internal technical training programs.
• Assist engineers and technicians in solving technical challenges.
• Support quality compliance and continuous improvement efforts.
• Stay current with industry research, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
• Identify, target, and execute growth strategies, build close client relationships, and develop value propositions based on client feedback.

Benefits

• Creative freedom and direct influence over R&D priorities and the technical roadmap.
• High-impact work shaping testing methods and product designs for nuclear power plants, aerospace systems, and other high-reliability applications worldwide.
• Close-knit culture in which employees’ voices matter.
• Access to SGS’s global network of laboratories, scientists, and technical resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree