Manager, Materials Testing & Characterization

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. Materials Testing & Characterization Manager This position is focused on managing and technically supporting test programs for materials in support of TerraPower's advanced nuclear reactor project. In this role, you will manage a dedicated team of engineers developing, executing, analyzing, and reporting on materials test programs to support reactor material selection and Natrium design and licensing. This position also supports the Manager in project scheduling and reporting activities. Responsibilities Directly manage a diverse team of individual contributors supporting ongoing materials testing and characterization work Support individual contributors in developing, deploying, and executing materials testing programs in support of the Natrium reactor's programmatic objectives Maintain in-laboratory presence to provide direct, immediate feedback and support to individual contributors Oversee and manage third‑party suppliers conducting materials testing to ensure quality, compliance, and timely delivery Plan, monitor, and manage task progress, including defining required scope, maximizing efficiency of individual contributors, and ensuring complete and accurate work execution Work with the Manager and Project Manager to develop and maintain the project schedule and budget Effectively communicate project expectations and assignments to team members and management Ensure compliance to procedures, standards and regulatory criteria Ensure that engineering work is performed with a high level of integrity through adherence to work processes and technical reviews or approvals of team deliverables Communicate emerging technical issues with management and work with both the individual contributors and management to resolve efficiently Demonstrate visible, continuous leadership in the areas of safety and quality Interface with regulators, stakeholders, and customers on materials engineering design and testing issues Coordinate with the Plant Materials and Core Materials Qualification groups to develop material technologies supporting the Natrium Demonstration and future commercial reactor concepts Develop and maintain engineering staffing and resource plans, evaluating team skillsets and adjusting staffing to meet long‑range needs and project priorities Support recruitment, onboarding, and integration of new engineering personnel, ensuring smooth assimilation into project processes and expectations Support the development of direct reports through mentoring, training, and challenging assignments Key Qualifications and Skills Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of related experience or Master's degree with minimum 6 years of related experience; or a PhD with a minimum of 3 years of related experience. A degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required Proven ability to lead and collaborate with a diverse team is required Advanced knowledge and experience in nuclear quality programs, and configuration management principles, practices, and tools or similar quality programs is required Ability to manage numerous competing priorities concurrently during a given work week and work with minimal direction to solve multi‑disciplinary problems is required Experience supervising personnel performing materials testing or characterization work for nuclear power applications or other related field is strongly desired Experience working to ASME NQA‑1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B control programs, or other NRC and DOE regulatory frameworks is strongly desired Candidate must be a self‑starter and possess ability to perform both individually and as a team contributor; proven ability to direct small teams with minimal oversight is preferred Proven track record in planning, budgeting, and execution of testing or characterization activities is required Experience with collaboration, workflow, and planning tools, such as Atlassian Confluence/JIRA, Primavera P6, or other related tools is required Effective verbal and written communication skills is required Nuclear Industry knowledge / experience is strongly desired Knowledge of metallic materials testing and characterization is required Knowledge of metallic fuel and/or sodium fast reactor technologies is strongly desired Ability to work with minimum direction to solve challenging problems is required 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 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: $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. 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 Affiliation Benefits Parental Leave 401(k) 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: #J-18808-Ljbffr TerraPower