Internship Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

About NANO Nuclear Energy 

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR Energy System, and ZEUS Solid Core Battery Reactor-advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure-the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. 

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems. 

Position Overview 

NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Materials Engineer to support materials selection, qualification, testing, and performance evaluation for advanced microreactor systems. This role will contribute to ensuring that structural materials, high-temperature materials, coatings, and component materials meet the demanding requirements of advanced nuclear applications. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support materials selection and qualification activities for advanced reactor components and systems. 
• Evaluate material properties including strength, fatigue, creep, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and thermal performance. 
• Support development of material specifications, procurement requirements, and qualification plans. 
• Analyze materials test data and support interpretation of experimental results. 
• Assist with material compatibility evaluations for high-temperature nuclear environments. 
• Support vendor and supplier technical reviews related to materials and manufacturing processes. 
• Develop engineering documentation, reports, and technical presentations. 
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, nuclear, graphite, manufacturing, and licensing teams. 
• Support root-cause investigations and materials performance assessments. 
• Stay current with advances in nuclear materials, manufacturing technologies, and industry standards. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field. 
• 0-5 years of engineering experience; internships, laboratory research, and academic projects applicable. 
• Understanding of materials science fundamentals, mechanical properties, and material behavior. 
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate engineering conclusions. 
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• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline. 
• Experience with nuclear materials, high-temperature alloys, ceramics, graphite, or advanced materials. 
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as microscopy, mechanical testing, or thermal analysis. 
• Experience with materials qualification programs or supplier technical management. 
• Familiarity with ASME standards, NRC requirements, or nuclear quality programs. 
• Experience with irradiation effects, corrosion, oxidation, or aging mechanisms. 
• Experience using engineering analysis tools, MATLAB, Python, or data analysis software. 

 What We Offer 

• The opportunity to develop materials solutions for next-generation nuclear technology. 
• Exposure to advanced materials challenges in high-temperature and nuclear environments. 
• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence. 
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership. 
• Competitive compensation and benefits package. 
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future. 

Equal Opportunity Statement  NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.