TRISO Chemical Plant Process Engineer
Job description
About the role
This role manages chemical processing for advanced nuclear fuel at a pilot plant in Orangeville, operating core subsystems and collaborating across functions to hit performance and manufacturability targets. The position supports a fast-to-deploy, factory-made high-temperature nuclear energy system where autonomy and ownership drive impact at every level. You will own a critical chemical subsystem and ensure its performance aligns with strict nuclear quality and safety expectations. Success in this role requires fluency in both technical execution and cross-functional communication to translate requirements into reliable operations. You will lead root cause investigations, optimize procedures, and mentor team members to sustain high throughput and quality. The position demands comfort with high-temperature materials and wet chemistry processes in a dynamic pilot environment. You will be expected to document your work clearly and maintain rigorous technical records for audits and continuous improvement. Your decisions will directly influence the manufacturability and reliability of advanced nuclear fuel production.
Key facts
What you'll do
Own one major subsystem and align its performance, manufacturability, and cost targets.
Operate and maintain chemical processing equipment by writing and optimizing procedures for repairs and ongoing operation.
Improve yields and reduce throughput time on the pilot line.
Advance line goals by partnering with processing line, engineering, and management functions.
Hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
Demonstrate a proven track record of engineering excellence.
Apply strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems for wet chemistry and high temperature processing.
Lead root cause investigations using a strong analytical mindset.
Work effectively in a production environment.
Oversee and mentor a team.
Communicate clearly, maintain technical documentation, and lead in operational environments.
Relocate to Emery County, Utah.
Requirements
Hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
Demonstrate a proven track record of engineering excellence.
Apply strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems for wet chemistry and high temperature processing.
Lead root cause investigations using a strong analytical mindset.
Work effectively in a production environment.
Oversee and mentor a team.
Communicate clearly, maintain technical documentation, and lead in operational environments.
Relocate to Emery County, Utah.
U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required due to ITAR and national security considerations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance if required for project scope.
Nice to have
Bring experience from high-performance or safety-critical production environments.
Show deep understanding of quality and reliability engineering.
Hands-on background in laboratory and production settings.
Work with ceramic processing, Sol-Gel casting, and high temperature production.
Experience in chemical processing plants or wastewater treatment.
Practical notes
This is a full-time role based in Orangeville, Utah, requiring U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. The team balances rapid execution with rigorous documentation and safety standards in a high-impact nuclear energy startup. Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
The role centers on chemical process engineering for nuclear fuel manufacturing using advanced pilot-scale equipment. Success depends on radical ownership, rapid learning of specialized systems, and close collaboration across technical teams. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and high-temperature materials work.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.