Building the nuclear fuel for all – safe, abundant, and reliable energy that powers advanced reactors, accelerates the clean energy transition, and shapes the future of humanity. We’re a next-generation nuclear fuel company pioneering isotope enrichment technologies that enable secure, scalable access to critical fuels for advanced fission and fusion systems. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa, we are advancing toward commercial deployment – unlocking a new era of clean energy independence. Every person who joins plays a defining role in transforming how the world powers itself.

Our Culture- We are scientists, engineers, operators, and builders – united by a shared purpose: to power a sustainable and secure future for humanity.

The Opportunity:

We’re looking for a Lead Process Engineer to join our Engineering & Operations team. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in designing, scaling, and optimizing the core enrichment process that underpins “clients” proprietary isotope separation technology.

This is a high-impact opportunity to produce the nuclear fuel of the future – safe, abundant, and reliable energy that powers advanced reactors and accelerates the clean-energy transition – by helping establish our first U.S. site and leading technical design integration, process optimization, and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, modelling, and optimization of enrichment and supporting process systems.
• Translate R&D outputs into scalable production processes, ensuring repeatability, reliability, and safety.
• Perform detailed process simulations and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling to validate design assumptions and optimize performance across flow, heat, and mass transfer regimes.
• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation planning (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA) to ensure safe operations and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, design packages, PFDs, P&IDs, and operational procedures in alignment with QLE’s safety, export control, and quality frameworks.
• Partner with cross-functional teams – Mechanical, Controls, Operations, and Safety – to deliver integrated, compliant engineering solutions.
• Lead process development and equipment selection suitable for highly corrosive chemical environments, ensuring material compatibility and operational integrity.
• Support system commissioning, test campaigns, and performance validation for pilot and production facilities.
• Drive root-cause analysis, continuous improvement, and “first-time-right” execution across all process activities.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, curiosity, and collaboration.

About You:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering (PhD a plus).
• 8+ years of relevant experience in process engineering, ideally within nuclear, chemical, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Proven ability to scale technologies from lab or pilot to production environments with precision and repeatability.
• Hands-on experience with highly corrosive chemicals, including material selection, containment, and safety protocols.
• Skilled in process modelling and simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL, MATLAB) and CFD analysis (e.g., ANSYS Fluent or similar).
• Deep understanding of hazard analysis, risk mitigation, and safety design frameworks in highly regulated or hazardous environments.
• Strong foundation in chemical thermodynamics, separation processes, and system integration.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator, able to bridge disciplines and geographies effectively.
• Excited to build from first principles, innovate beyond convention, and deliver technologies that move humanity forward.

Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart:

• Experience scaling high-precision process systems from prototype to production – ideally within nuclear, chemical, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with vacuum, gas handling, or laser-based separation systems.
• Proficiency with process modeling and control tools (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB, or Python-based simulation).
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts with a strong safety and quality mindset.
• Excitement to work in a fast-paced, first-of-kind environment focused on technical excellence and collaboration.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary aligned to global compensation bands and local market data.
• Bonus eligibility: Target % based on level and impact.
• Equity participation: Reflecting your contribution to long-term success.
• Comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for global mobility across US, UK, and ZA operations.

Legal & Compliance Notice

Regulatory & Export Control Notice

Conducts business in the nuclear technology and advanced materials sectors, which are subject to strict export control, non-proliferation, and national security regulations.

Employment may require compliance with one or more of the following regulatory frameworks, depending on work location and role scope:

· United States: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

· United Kingdom: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK Strategic Export Control regulations administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).

· South Africa: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Non-Proliferation Council regulations under the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

Certain positions may require “U.S. person” status (as defined by 10 CFR Part 810 or EAR Part 772) and/or the ability to obtain and maintain applicable export control authorizations or security clearances. QLE complies with all relevant national and international export control, non-proliferation, and security requirements in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.