Materials Engineer/Chemist

About the role

Cambridge Atomworks is seeking a Materials Engineer or Chemist to lead research, development and qualification of materials for its ODIN nuclear micro‑reactor. You will work on selecting, testing and characterising materials that must survive extreme temperatures, molten‑salt corrosion and ionising radiation.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate chemical properties and interactions of candidate materials for reactor design.
• Design and execute experimental or modelling studies on material compatibility, including thermal, corrosion and irradiation tests.
• Support the team leader by conducting experiments, analysing data and maintaining material property records.
• Develop and implement materials qualification plans.
• Interface with suppliers, own material‑related responsibilities and contribute to regulatory and safety documentation.
• Potentially travel internationally for collaborative projects.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering (materials focus) or a related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience in a physical‑science laboratory setting.
• Understanding of materials degradation mechanisms under high‑temperature, molten‑salt and radiation environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence cross‑functional teams.

Required skills

• Experience with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Use of X‑ray diffractometer.
• Operation of mass spectrometer.
• Raman spectroscopy.
• Molten‑salt corrosion testing.
• Thermal analysis of materials.
• Irradiation testing and data interpretation.