Reactor DFMA Engineer

Employer description

TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company’s activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits.”

TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Reactor DFMA Engineer 

The Reactor DFMA engineer is responsible for leading reactor assembly, advising component fabrication strategies, and overseeing supplier execution to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery for TerraPower’s Natrium project. The role reports directly to the Reactor DFMA Manager, and works primarily with the Reactor Design Team, supply chain, reactor component fabricators, and assemblers. The successful candidate will leverage fabrication and assembly expertise to accelerate next-generation commercial reactor deployment while collaborating with a high-performing team of engineers and scientists. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead on-site reactor assembly planning and major equipment installation, optimizing assembly sequences, sodium fill strategies, and supporting equipment while maintaining quality and design compliance.
• Lead engineering strategies for reactor component fabrication, transportation, deployment, and assembly, including welding, examinations, pressure testing, and commissioning requirements.
• Own and implement the reactor DFMA process, integrating manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and deployment considerations throughout the design lifecycle.
• Drive cost and schedule reductions for future commercial reactors through modularization, alternative delivery strategies, advanced technologies, and standardized fabrication, inspection, cleanliness, and transportation requirements.
• Develop, review, and approve reactor component manufacturing plans and supplier documentation, ensuring compliance with ASME BPVC requirements, design intent, and good manufacturing practices.
• Resolve complex technical and field issues, conduct cross-disciplinary reviews, and oversee partner and supplier compliance with quality, process, and design requirements, escalating significant deviations as needed.
• Develop and implement major Reactor Enclosure System long-range procurement strategies, author/review technical content of procurements and subcontract packages, and review supplier selections before award.
• Establish technical deliverables, resource estimates, and align supplier and partner activities with reactor milestones and critical interfaces. 

Key Qualifications and Skills 

• B.S. in Mechanical or related discipline from an accredited university and 8+ years direct experience or an M.S. with commensurate experience. 
• Experience working to nuclear quality standard, such as ASME NQA-1.  Experience working under ASME N-Certificate quality program desired. 
• Demonstrated experience in heavy mechanical/pressure vessel fabrication and assembly, or oversight of supplier and subcontractor organizations in similar applications. Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors subject to 10 CFR 50 Appendix B quality programs highly desired.
• Demonstrated diverse and robust experience in design and fabrication of complex, multi-disciplinary structures and equipment. Previous experience in design, fabrication, and construction of major nuclear mechanical components, nuclear reactor equipment, or similar equipment is highly desired.
• Proficient knowledge and experience with nuclear quality fabrication, construction, and lifecycle management processes (including In-Service Inspection, material surveillance, vibration programs, equipment qualification programs, etc.) highly desired.
• Knowledge and experience in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Section VIII, and welding standards highly desired.
• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly, and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork. 

This position is subject to qualification requirements in accordance with ANSI/ANS 3.1. Candidates must meet the minimum education and experience criteria applicable to the role, including relevant nuclear industry experience where required. Verification of data will be part of the hiring process.

Job Functions:

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.  Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.  An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

• Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
• Travel required 0-10%

TerraPower’s technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.  TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements.  To facilitate TerraPower’s export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.  Government export authorization approval times vary.  Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.

Job details

Salary Range: $143,101.00 - $185,846.00

Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.

Job Type:  Full-time

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Life and Disability
  • Gender Affirmation Benefits
• Parental Leave
• 401k Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 21 days of annually accrued PTO
• Generous Holiday Schedule
  • 10 paid holidays
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

TerraPower Career and Benefits information:  https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/