Lead Chemistry & Materials Engineer

Last Energy is a nuclear energy company that designs, builds, owns, and operates small modular reactors (SMRs) for industrial and commercial customers. The company's flagship product, the PWR-20, is a 20 MWe pressurized water reactor that is fully modular and factory-produced, enabling faster and more cost-effective deployment than traditional nuclear power plants. Last Energy serves as a behind-the-meter independent power producer, supplying reliable baseload electricity to energy-intensive industries including data centers, metals production, food and beverage, pulp and paper, chemicals, and cement manufacturing. The company's mission centers on making nuclear power radically simpler and more accessible by removing the burden of development, financing, and operations from customers through a power purchase agreement model. This approach aligns nuclear energy deployment with the urgent need for resilient, low-carbon power, particularly as demand from AI infrastructure and industrial growth accelerates. Last Energy's use of proven reactor technology combined with proprietary steel containment systems is designed to streamline licensing and reduce construction timelines. Last Energy represents a new generation of nuclear developers focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors with firm, emissions-free power. By standardizing and modularizing the entire plant through factory manufacturing, the company aims to bring predictable costs and schedules to a sector historically challenged by both, positioning SMRs as a practical climate solution at commercial scale.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Water Chemistry Program: Develop and manage water chemistry programs to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of materials in systems that involve water, such as cooling systems, pipelines, or heat exchangers

Material Selection: Identify and select materials, including commonly used alloys, that are appropriate for the company's engineering projects and technologies. Evaluate the suitability of materials for specific applications and conditions

Materials Compatibility: Assess the compatibility of selected materials with the water chemistry requirements and the operating environment, taking into account factors like corrosion resistance, erosion, and chemical reactions

Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, to integrate materials and processes into the development of new technologies

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field

A Master's degree may be preferred for experienced applicants

8+ years of experience in material selection and water chemistry management in relevant industrial settings

Understanding of industry standards and regulations related to materials selection and water chemistry

Ability to adapt to a dynamic and rapidly evolving engineering technology environment

Collaborative and able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives