Lead Engineer, Micro Reactor Systems

Zap Energy Inc.; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Zap Energy is seeking a Reactor Team Lead to guide the ZMR program through design, testing, fabrication, commissioning and build of a liquid metal cooled fission reactor.

You will lead an integrated product team under an NQA-1 program, own the design basis, manage a team, perform engineering analysis, and collaborate across design, testing and safety groups to ensure robust reactor delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program is required.
• At least 8 years of experience engineering and delivering complex systems including nuclear reactors, flight vehicles, and industrial plants (preference for non-water cooled reactors).
• Proficiency in mechanical design/analysis per ASME Codes & Standards; strong reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and transient behavior knowledge; experience with reactor analysis tools and report writing; familiarity with Python and modern software practices.
• At least 2 years of experience managing a team of three or more direct reports.
• Excellent technical writing and ability to present complex information to regulators.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead reactor engineering and hardware delivery within an NQA-1 program across Reactor Core, Nuclear Fuel, Internals, Vessel, and Safety Systems.
• Act as Line Manager for the Reactor team; develop metrics and drive performance and professional development.
• Perform engineering analysis; produce high-quality design and calculation documentation; assign work packages to meet milestones.
• Review and approve supplier submittals; be the primary contact for the ZMR Reactor design basis.
• Collaborate with design, testing, and safety teams to align design and safety bases; identify design trade-offs.
• Represent the team in supplier collaborations and ensure quality assurance processes are right-sized for efficiency.

Skills

Nuclear engineering

Leadership

Mechanical design

ASME Codes

Python

Communication

Quality assurance

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical/Aerospace/Nuclear Engineering degree

Tools

Reactor Analysis Tools

Job description

Zap Energy is seeking a Reactor Team Lead to guide the ZMR program through design, testing, fabrication, commissioning and build of a liquid metal cooled fission reactor.

You will lead an integrated product team under an NQA-1 program, own the design basis, manage a team, perform engineering analysis, and collaborate across design, testing and safety groups to ensure robust reactor delivery.