About the Company:
An US developer of advanced, Generation IV nuclear reactors. They are growing their workforce to develop and deploy their Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry.

About the Role:

The Salt Qualification Scientist/Engineer, under the direction of the R&D Director, is primarily responsible for leading the experimental testing and qualification of salts for Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) applications.

This role will focus on designing and implementing rigorous test programs, conducting hands-on laboratory experiments, and performing detailed data analysis to characterize the properties and behavior of salts used in the reactor.

The position requires strong experimental and materials testing expertise combined with hands-on laboratory experience, along with the ability to prepare technical documentation to support reactor licensing and operational needs.

An ideal candidate should be able to:

Have US market experience and perspectives bringing good judgement and innovative approaches to problem solving and business plan execution.

Have demonstrated exceptional performance in past engineering projects.

Offer exceptional leadership and team building capabilities.

Have a deep understanding of the requirements for advanced reactor development.

Can assist in the creation of the discipline and organized company structure, and contributed to a culture of excellence, necessary for the development and deployment of the Company’s IMSR plant.

Can thrive in a fast growing and opportunity business environment, and are capable of flexibility and adaptability at a time of organizational change.

Key responsibilities:

Design and implement experimental programs to characterize molten salt properties for IMSR applications, with a focus on material testing, chemical analysis, and long-term performance under reactor conditions

Develop and execute test procedures for thermophysical, chemical, and performance measurements that meet reactor specifications and provide reliable data for reactor qualification

Conduct laboratory experiments to measure critical salt properties, including thermal stability, chemical reactivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance. Operate experimental equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards

Analyze experimental data using statistical tools (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, Python), including uncertainty quantification, regression analysis, and data validation. Develop models and correlations to support salt qualification and performance predictions

Oversee quality control for all testing activities, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., NRC, DOE). Maintain laboratory safety standards in line with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

Prepare technical reports and qualification documents to support regulatory submissions, including responses to NRC inquiries. Present findings to regulatory bodies during audits and meetings

Work closely with reactor design engineers to align test programs with reactor specifications. Collaborate with materials engineers, chemistry teams, and other technical teams to support corrosion, compatibility, and performance studies

Continuously evaluate and improve test methods, experimental setups, and data analysis techniques to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of salt testing programs

Support procurement and vendor qualification processes for salt materials and related supplies

Manage testing schedules, resources, and priorities to meet project milestones. Provide regular updates to the R&D Director and project teams

Provide technical guidance to junior scientists or engineers, assisting with testing and characterization activities

Present experimental results and testing approaches to internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies

Requirements:

Master's degree or higher in Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field

5+ years of hands-on experience in experimental research and materials testing, focusing on chemical characterization in high-temperature or molten salt environments

Strong understanding of physical chemistry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics as applied to molten salts and reactor materials

Practical experience with molten salt chemistry, including corrosion and reactivity studies in high-temperature systems

Expertise in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis (e.g., regression, uncertainty quantification)

Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Python, MATLAB) for analyzing complex experimental data and developing models

Hands-on experience with thermophysical, chemical, and performance measurements of materials

Knowledge of high-temperature experimental techniques, analytical chemistry, and data acquisition systems (e.g., LIMS)

Familiarity with laboratory safety, chemical handling, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

Understanding of nuclear quality assurance and experience preparing regulatory documentation (e.g., NRC, DOE)

Experience preparing qualification reports and technical documentation for regulatory submissions, including responses to regulatory inquiries

Proven ability to manage experimental programs, including scheduling, resource allocation, and task prioritization

Strong technical writing skills for scientific reports, regulatory documents, and communication with diverse stakeholders

Ability to present technical data to internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulators

Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams

Ability to mentor junior staff in experimental techniques, data analysis, and project execution

Commitment to staying current with emerging trends in molten salt technology and nuclear safety standards

Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, or other standards in material testing and quality assurance

Assets:

Experience working in nuclear industry or highly regulated environment preferred

Background in reactor materials qualification, fuel qualification, or similar programs highly desirable

Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with regulatory agencies or external auditors

Publication record in peer-reviewed journals is a plus

Benefits:

Extended Healthcare Plan

A vacation policy designed to support your work-life balance

EAP Programs available to you and your family

Wellness Subsidy

Annual Performance Review

Paid Volunteer Days – A chance to give back!

Career development opportunities