Principal Engineer, System Design

Principal Engineer, System Design

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. 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 a Principal Engineer supporting the Natrium Demonstration Project. This role will support the ongoing design and delivery of the Natrium primary systems. The Natrium primary systems comprise those reactor systems responsible for heat transport, reactivity control, and containment of the reactor fuel and its coolant. You'll collaborate with project managers, design engineers, analysts, test engineers, and other engineering specialties in a high-performing, multi-disciplinary environment to deliver the Natrium primary systems.

Join us in this high impact role to help advance a first-of-a-kind nuclear reactor towards commercial development.

Responsibilities:

• Drive alignment across multidisciplinary engineering teams (nuclear, thermal hydraulic, mechanical, instrumentation and controls, civil-structural) to define and refine system requirements
• Design nuclear and industrial mechanical systems, including: requirements definition, analysis, specifications, and system drawings.
• Develop and maintain system architecture and design documentation (e.g., Design Basis Documents, P&IDs, Interface Control Documents).
• Establish equipment design bases, including: regulatory criteria, regulatory standards, functional criteria, performance criteria, and failure mode and effects.
• Evaluate technology development requirements and implement development programs for novel technologies or approaches.
• Ensure designs consider lifecycle factors including operability, maintainability, and reliability.
• Manage technical interfaces with suppliers, including review and verification of deliverables.
• Prepare engineering change packages including calculations, design reports, design drawings, and design specifications
• Promote continuous learning and application of nuclear industry best practices
• Interface with and support licensing activities needed to obtain both the construction and operating licenses for the reactor systems
• Participate in project design reviews at project milestones and periodic assessment points to verify compliance and completeness of design.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university
• 15+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in developing design of complex structures, multi-discipline integration, and mechanical pressure vessel equipment.
• Strong understanding of configuration management principles, as well as knowledge of design control tools application on nuclear or similar complex industrial applications.
• Previous experience with nuclear reactors and systems, high temperature pressure vessels, or similar system design is highly desired.
• Experience working to quality standards on design activities, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.
• General or working knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III is highly desired.
• Professional engineering licensure is desired but not required for this position.
• Experience in originating and developing technical documentation to support system architecture is preferred.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail and aspiration for technical excellence.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and work within a design team with minimal direction.
• Ability to handle projects that include many competing objectives and design constraints, with ability to resolve conflicts between objectives.
• Ability to work on simultaneous tasks that require a multi-disciplinary approach.

Job Functions:

• 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%

Salary Range: $168,316 - $252,475

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.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
• Parental Leave
• 401k Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Generous Holiday Schedule
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities