Internship Remote Materials Science Jobs in Illinois

About NANO Nuclear Energy

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation micro reactor 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 Ceramic Materials Engineer to support the development, analysis, and qualification of SiC and graphite components for advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) systems. The successful candidate will support material selection, characterization, mechanical and thermal performance evaluations, and component qualification activities to support the design of next-generation microreactor technologies. Experienced candidates with expertise in nuclear graphite, high-temperature materials, irradiation effects, or advanced reactor systems may provide technical leadership in materials qualification and design activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, evaluation, and qualification of SiC and graphite components used in advanced reactor systems.
• Analyze SiC and graphite material properties including thermal conductivity, strength, oxidation resistance, creep behavior, and dimensional stability.
• Support graphite material selection, procurement specifications, and supplier technical evaluations.
• Perform engineering analyses related to performance in a high-temperature reactor environment.
• Evaluate SiC and graphite behavior under thermal gradients, irradiation conditions, and operational environments.
• Support development of material qualification plans, test requirements, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, nuclear, and systems engineering teams.
• Review technical literature and industry data related to material performance in HTGR applications.
• Prepare engineering reports, calculations, presentations, and licensing support documentation.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience; internship, research, and laboratory experience are applicable.
• Understanding of materials science fundamentals, material properties, and degradation mechanisms.
• Knowledge of material performance in a nuclear reactor environment, including irradiation effects, oxidation behavior, fracture mechanics, or creep mechanisms.
• Experience with materials testing, characterization techniques, or qualification programs.
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate engineering conclusions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with graphite, carbon-based materials, ceramics, or high-temperature materials.
• Experience with nuclear-grade graphite or HTGR materials.
• Familiarity with ASME standards, NRC licensing processes, or nuclear material requirements.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python.

What We Offer 

• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence. 
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership. 
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future. 
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Salary range and levels for this role:

• Level I: Typically, zero - two years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level II: Typically, three years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level V: Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level VI: Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role required.

Level I - II $85,000- $120,000; Level III: $120,000- $145,000; Level IV: $145,000- 170,000; Level V: $170,000- $195,000; Level VI: $185,000- $215,000

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and may encompass responsibilities across multiple functions or levels within the organization. The scope of the position, title, responsibilities and compensation will be determined based on the specific needs of the business, as well as the candidate's experience, qualifications and level of expertise. The salary range provided, where applicable, is intentionally broad is not indicative of a single level or final compensation offer. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity and other applicable factors.

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.