What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fuel Development Lead - TRISO position at AMPERA INC?
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Donation matching
- Employee discounts
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Wellness resources
Fuel Development Lead (TRISO & Liquid Metal Jetting Integration)
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
About AMPERA
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.
Key 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision, STD, LTD, Life/AD&D and 401(k).
- Opportunity to pioneer advanced nuclear fuel technologies driving the next generation of clean energy.
- Collaborative, mission-driven environment that fosters technical excellence and innovation.
- Career advancement potential as AMPERA expands its fuel development and reactor manufacturing programs.