Senior Technical Expert - Nuclear Material Testing and Analysis Facility

SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 99,600 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,600 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.

Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride, and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.

SGS recently acquired MP Machinery and Testing, LLC (MPM), and we are looking for a Senior Technical Expert, Nuclear Material Testing and Analysis Facility.

We are seeking a highly qualified PhD-level Technical Expert to serve as the primary scientific and engineering authority for MP Machinery’s operations. This role is responsible for guiding our testing methodologies, overseeing technical compliance, leading research and development initiatives, and ensuring our services meet or exceed industry standards—particularly in the nuclear and high-reliability sectors.

The ideal candidate will combine deep subject matter expertise in materials science, mechanical engineering, or nuclear engineering with strong problem-solving skills, leadership ability, and the desire to work alongside a highly skilled technical team.

MP Machinery and Testing, LLC (MPM) was founded in 2009 with the mission to advance industry standards through advanced testing and test development. Located in State College, Pennsylvania, USA, MPM is a leader in the field of high material testing and analysis, specializing in the nuclear sector. 

As an advanced testing laboratory, MPM is renowned for its ability to develop and standardize new tests that often-become industry benchmarks. The company's core expertise lies in testing materials needed to operate nuclear facilities, where they cater to high-profile clients, including small modular reactor developers and existing power generation utilities. MPM not only tests materials but also designs and manufactures the specialized equipment needed for these tests, emphasizing their dual competence in both service and production.

MPM’s capabilities are extensive and include the development, deployment, and analysis of mechanical properties for radioactive materials, alongside specialized services such as neutron transport analysis, failure analysis, and surveillance capsule testing. As a trusted partner, MPM has exclusive contracts with major industry leaders and has a notable presence in national and international nuclear projects.

At MPM, innovation is at the forefront of what we do. We are committed to providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency. Our dedicated team of experts uses a blend of traditional and innovative methods to deliver exceptional results that consistently exceed expectations.

Driven by our corporate motto, "Serving client needs through advanced technology,” MPM continues to be at the forefront of technological advancement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the testing domain. We invite you to explore our services and discover how we can support your testing needs with unparalleled precision and expertise.

The successful candidate will be a permanent full-time employee of SGS and work with the Management and Engineering Teams. The Technical Expert will be responsible to:  

Technical Capability

• Serve as MP Machinery and Testing’s lead technical resource for all materials testing, analysis, and equipment design questions.
• Review, validate, and approve technical methodologies, calculations, results, and reports for customer deliverables.
• Ensure testing processes comply with nuclear industry codes, ASTM standards, ASME specifications, and customer requirements.

Research & Development

• Lead development of new testing capabilities and innovative equipment designs.
• Oversee technology transfer from research and development into production testing and manufacturing.
• Evaluate and integrate new analysis tools, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Participate in relevant industry working groups on behalf of MP Machinery and Testing.

Customer & Project Support

• Provide technical guidance during proposal development, customer meetings, and project kickoffs.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to key clients in nuclear, aerospace, and highly complex technical and quality assurance driven industries.
• Support root cause failure analyses, material property investigations, and complex problem resolution.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• Coach and mentor engineers, technicians, and project managers in materials science and testing principles.
• Develop and execute internal technical training programs.
• Assist engineers and technicians in solving technical challenges.

Quality & Compliance

• Support quality compliance and continuous improvement efforts.
• Stay current with industry research, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.

Required:

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Metallurgy, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in materials testing, fracture mechanics, nuclear engineering, or highly complex technical and quality assurance driven industries.
• Expert-level understanding of fracture mechanics, fatigue, corrosion, and high-temperature material behavior.
• Demonstrated experience with ASTM, ASME, and nuclear regulatory codes.
• Proven track record of technical leadership in an R&D or laboratory environment.
• Strong communication skills—able to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to identify, target, and execute growth strategies.
• Ability to foster close client relationships.
• Can-do attitude, willing to roll up sleeves or present to senior leadership.
• Commercially minded – can understand the needs of clients and flush out a value proposition based on client feedback
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.

Preferred:

• Experience in a laboratory accredited, e.g., ISO/IEC 17025.
• Background in the design and manufacture of custom test equipment.
• Hands-on experience with Charpy impact testing, tensile testing, creep testing, or corrosion testing in harsh environments.
• Existing relationships with the NRC, DOE, or nuclear utilities.

Why Join Us

At MP Machinery & Testing, you won’t be just another scientist in a massive corporate hierarchy—you’ll be the recognized technical authority for a specialized business that solves problems others can’t.

We operate like a nimble, innovation-driven engineering lab, yet we have the resources, reach, and stability of SGS, the world leader in inspection, testing, and certification. That means you’ll get:

• Creative Freedom – Direct influence over research and development priorities and the technical roadmap.
• High-Impact Work – Your expertise will directly shape testing methodologies and product designs used in nuclear power plants, aerospace systems, and other high-reliability applications worldwide.
• Close-Knit Culture – Small enough for your voice to matter, big enough to deliver on bold ideas.
• Global Support Network – Access to SGS’s worldwide network of laboratories, scientists, and technical resources.

This is a rare chance to combine hands-on technical leadership with strategic influence in a field where precision and innovation make all the difference.

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. 

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 
 
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back.  Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.