Assistant Chemical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Company

General Matter enriches uranium.

We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.  

In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive. 

Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume.  Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.

Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable.  We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society. 

We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.  

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production. 

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency. 

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable. 

About This Role

We're looking for an early-career Chemical Engineer or Chemist who is excited to get hands-on experience supporting the design, instrumentation, and build-out of an advanced laboratory.

In this role, you'll work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on critical projects, gaining exposure to advanced analytical methods, specialized laboratory equipment, and real-world technical problem solving. You'll have the opportunity to help shape a new laboratory capability from the ground up while building practical skills across chemistry, engineering, instrumentation, and laboratory operations.

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and motivated by technically challenging work with meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Mass Spectrometry Analysis: Conduct isotopic analysis and trace element detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
• Chemical Process Monitoring: Apply analytical chemistry techniques to ensure the quality and safety of nuclear fuel cycle materials.
• Method Development: Assist in developing and validating sample preparation, digestion, and separation techniques for nuclear material analysis.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Interpret mass spectrometry results and collaborate with process engineers and operations support to optimize facility operations.
• Laboratory Safety & Compliance: Maintain adherence to radiation protection, hazardous material handling, and chemical safety protocols.
• Collaborative Research & Development: Work alongside senior scientists and engineers on projects aimed at improving fuel cycle efficiency and waste minimization.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and recent graduates encouraged to apply).
• Knowledge of mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS) and experience with analytical instrumentation.
• Basic proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including sample digestion, titration, and precipitation methods.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a highly regulated environment.
• Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
• Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment or a highly technical role requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $96,000-$106,000 annually. 

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.