Materials Characterization Engineer

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

BWXT is currently seeking a Materials Characterization Engineer for its Advanced Technologies location in Lynchburg, VA!

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope powered systems for both internal and external customers.

Advanced Technologies is currently seeking an Materials Characterization Engineer to be part of a team assisting multiple nuclear development projects at its Advanced Technologies research and development organization in Lynchburg, VA. The person will be responsible for defining standard test methodologies, performing materials testing, and mentoring peers while supporting a wide variety of programs for space, defense, and commercial customers.

This position is eligible for relocation benefits, depending on the candidate.

If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you. The position will be located in Lynchburg, VA.

Job Description / Duties:

• Develop new material characterization methodologies to support material development programs. 
• Perform characterization on samples submitted from a wide variety of different research and development or prototype production programs.
• Interface with materials and chemical engineers to identify what techniques can help provide the critical objective criteria needed for R&D activities.

Job Qualifications / Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field of study (e.g., Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Physics, Chemistry etc.) is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required. Advanced degrees may substitute for some years of experience.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to multi-task are required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with no dual citizenship.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

 Additional Desired Skillsets:

• Experience or foundational understanding of some subset of the following analytical characterization techniques: ICP-MS, TGA, FTIR, LECO-OCNHS, SEM, XRD, CT, BET SA, SEM, EDS, EBSD, PSA etc.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in material science or chemistry (or related fields).
• Strong understanding in the characterization of inorganics materials (metals, ceramics, composites, etc).
• Strong expertise in chemical analysis including combustion analysis, isotopic analysis, and cationic analysis methods.

Benefits:

• 12 paid holidays which include a winter holiday shutdown.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Free access to our 24/7 gym onsite in Lynchburg, Virginia.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• BWXT employees have access to exclusive perks and discounts on everything from cars and electronics to banking services and a host of popular brands / products through Perks@Work.
• Medical, dental, vision, short term disability, service-based retirement contributions with additional 401k match and more!
• New in 2025: Enhanced Fertility Coverage, Back-Up Child, Elder, and Pet Care, Enhanced Mental Health Care Benefits and Diabetes and Weight Management Benefits!

Pay: $85,000.00 - $145,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000.00 and $145,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.

BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

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