Position Title: Generation Materials Staff - Level IV

Requisition ID: REQ-3923

Position Type: Full time

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Job Title:Generation Materials Staff - Level IVLocation:Charlotte, NCJob Summary and Description:

EPRI is seeking a Staff/Engineer IV to support research within the Generation Materials Program, with primary responsibility for an 18‑month, government‑sponsored project focused on the development and qualification of a nickel‑base weld wire to support a novel additively manufactured alloy. This anchor project will support the qualification of a new wire feedstock consumable for weld repair, hybrid manufacturing, and wire‑fed directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing for high‑temperature applications.

The successful candidate will play a key role in executing and integrating experimental testing, materials characterization, and data interpretation activities associated with this program, while working closely with internal EPRI teams and external industry and government partners. In addition to the weld wire effort (expected to consume approximately 65% of the individual’s time over the initial 18‑month period), the role will support additional research need in high temperature materials research. This may include engagement with EPRI’s Advanced Nuclear Technology team, evolving research needs in gas turbine materials, development of novel testing techniques, and emerging failure analysis.

This position is intended for a technically mature engineer or scientist capable of operating with a high degree of independence, providing laboratory oversight, mentoring early‑career staff, and contributing to the strategic growth of EPRI’s high‑temperature materials research and laboratory testing capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Nickel-Base Weld Wire Development (Anchor Project – 18 Months)

• Serve as the key technical contributor on a government funded program to develop and qualify a nickel-base material as a wire feedstock for welding, repair, and wire fed DED additive manufacturing.

• Support the execution of material qualification and characterization activities, including mechanical testing (e.g., tensile, fatigue, creep and other mechanical properties), as well as microstructural evaluation of weld metal and DED built material.

• Contribute to the development, review, and interpretation of datasets supporting feedstock specifications, material specifications, and qualification documentation.

• Work collaboratively with internal EPRI teams and external partners across the supply chain (wire producers, manufacturing partners, end users, and standards organizations).

• Support technical reporting, data dissemination, and engagement with government stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support materials research efforts for existing and advanced nuclear systems, with emphasis on structural alloys and long term performance.

• Lead or contribute to the development of experimental test methods for:

  • Stress relaxation and long term deformation behavior of 316 stainless steel

  • Accelerated qualification strategies for additively manufactured 316 and other nuclear relevant alloys

• Provide senior technical oversight for high temperature mechanical testing activities within EPRI’s Generation Mechanical Testing Laboratory.

• Review experimental plans, test configurations, and post test datasets generated by junior engineers and laboratory staff.

  • Guide improvements in test methodology, data quality, and analysis approaches for creep, stress relaxation, fatigue, and creep fatigue testing
    

Future & Emerging Opportunities (Evolving Based on Institute Needs):

Depending on program needs and the individual’s expertise and interests, this role may expand to support additional research activities, including:

• Gas turbine materials and component technologies

• Advanced coatings for high temperature applications

• Additive manufacturing repair technologies and hybrid manufacturing routes

• Component life management, degradation assessment, and failure analysis

• Proposal development and strategic planning for future government and industry sponsored research

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Strong background in high temperature materials behavior, particularly creep and time dependent deformation, as well as microstructural characterization techniques including electron microscopy.

• Demonstrated experience with mechanical testing of structural materials at elevated temperature.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multi organization research teams.

• Demonstrated track record of high-quality technical publications in metallurgy and material science.

• Excellent communication skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with welding metallurgy, weld metals, or wire fed additive manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with nickel base superalloys and/or stainless steels used in nuclear or gas turbine applications.

• Experience supporting government funded R&D programs (e.g., DoD, DOE, NRC).

• Prior experience providing technical oversight or mentoring within a laboratory or research environment.

• Exposure to standards development, material qualification, or data packages supporting codes and specifications.

The salary range for this position is $98,000 USD to $105,000 USD annually.This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DisabledTogether . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.www.epri.com