Core Structural Materials Engineering Manager

TerraPower LLC.; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 168,316 - 252,475; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Comprehensive Medical Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

TerraPower LLC. is seeking a Core Structural Materials Engineering Manager to oversee materials development for nuclear reactors in Bellevue, WA. The successful candidate will manage a team, ensuring compliance and delivering projects on time and budget.

With over 8 years of experience in nuclear engineering and a strong background in materials science, you will play a key role in advancing innovative nuclear technologies. The position offers comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary range of $168,316 - $252,475.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of nuclear experience and a relevant engineering degree.
• Proven management experience with at least 2 years in leadership roles.
• Understanding of metallurgy and nuclear quality programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee material performance models for reactor components.
• Approve material property datasets via qualification processes.
• Coordinate with engineering teams for fuel technology development.

Skills

Nuclear experience

Management experience

Metallurgy knowledge

Nuclear quality programs

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in relevant field

Ph.D. with nuclear experience

Job description

Core Structural Materials Engineering Manager

Location: Bellevue, WA, USA.

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.

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.

The Natrium Core Structural Materials Engineering Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager, Core Material Qualification. This position focuses on managing the development and qualification of Natrium reactor core assembly materials, establishing a supply chain, and providing material performance data to the design organization. The manager leads a dedicated team of engineers and supports project scheduling and reporting activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and deployment of material performance models for metallic materials used to fabricate reactor core assembly components.
• Approve material property datasets generated via Qualification of Existing Data per ASME NQA-1-2015.
• Oversee materials test programs to validate models and ensure development and testing efforts meet programmatic objectives of the Natrium reactor.
• Provide materials engineering support for the procurement of engineered components and systems, including leading technical development of suppliers to increase technology readiness levels.
• Oversee development, optimization, and qualification of new materials for sodium fast reactor applications.
• Coordinate with Fuel Development, Fuel Fabrication, and Core Design groups to develop fuel technologies supporting Natrium Kemmerer Unit 1 and future commercial reactor concepts.
• Inform and support the licensing process for advanced reactor fuel.
• Work with the Senior Manager and Project Management team to develop and maintain the schedule and budget.
• Manage the Core Materials Qualification team to deliver project work within schedule and cost constraints.
• Communicate engineering progress to team, stakeholders, and management.
• Ensure compliance with procedures, standards, and regulatory criteria.
• Enforce rigorous work processes and technical reviews of team deliverables.
• Demonstrate leadership in safety and quality.
• Establish procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Implement quality assurance policy and requirements for the project.
• Interface with regulators, stakeholders, and customers on materials engineering design issues.
• Recommend staff changes and work with Human Resources to manage approved staffing changes.
• Support development of direct reports through mentoring, training, and challenging assignments.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• 8+ years of related nuclear experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university; alternatively, 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years experience; or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in successful management with at least 2 years of supervisory or mentoring experience.
• Solid understanding of metallurgy, including fabrication and thermomechanical processing of ferrous and nonferrous alloys.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear quality programs, design control, and configuration management principles.
• Experience with stringent quality systems (ISO-9001, AS9100) and ASME NQA-1; experience with 10 CFR 50 Appendix B highly desired.
• General understanding of reactor plant design and experience with sodium‑cooled fast reactors is a plus.
• Self‑starter capable of working individually and as a team contributor; proven ability to direct small teams with minimal oversight.
• High degree of trust and integrity, with strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Proven track record in planning, budgeting, and execution of testing or modeling activities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

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.
• Physical exertion: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
• Special Senses: Visual and auditory focused work.
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard sitting environment >8 hours/day.
• Travel required: 0–10%.

Job Details

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

Job Type: Full‑time

• 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
• 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