Liquid Metals Engineer

Zap Energy; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zap Energy is seeking a Liquid Metals Engineer for the Zap Micro Reactor program. The candidate will lead product teams in developing innovative solutions for liquid-metal-cooled fission reactors. Key responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of systems, collaborating across teams, and ensuring safety standards. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, hands-on experience, and proficiency in software like SolidWorks and LabVIEW. The position offers an estimated salary range of $130,000–190,000 annually, based in Everett, Washington.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program.
• At least 2 years in design and analysis of testing equipment.
• Hands-on fabrication experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development efforts within an NQA-1 program.
• Own the full lifecycle of liquid metal systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design safety.

Skills

Design

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL

Python

Job description

About Zap Energy

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high‑energy‑density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

About the Opportunity

Zap Energy is seeking a Liquid Metals Engineer to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will be part of an integrated product team to deliver a liquid‑metal‑cooled fission reactor in support of Zap’s integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience designing, testing, and operating high‑temperature mechanical‑fluid systems and can identify and solve first‑of‑a‑kind problems. A team player is essential for success.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Plan, organize and lead a product team or liquid metal component development efforts within an NQA‑1 program.
• Own or support the full development lifecycle (design, build, test, troubleshoot, operate) of a liquid metal system or component, including vessels, pumps, heat exchangers, and piping.
• Recommend and defend practical design solutions that consider manufacturing, quality, and licensing constraints.
• Consider and right‑size use of industry codes and standards, such as ASME BPVC.
• Line Manager: Build out and manage a product team when applicable; own the team’s technical performance, delivery of scope, and professional development.
• Individual Contribution: Identify the design space of a component, perform mechanical‑fluid analysis, run unknowns to ground via research, act as technical contact throughout procurement, inspect, commission, and operate equipment, write high‑quality documentation, and plan/assign work packages to meet schedule milestones.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work with design, testing, and integration teams to ensure design basis and safety basis are in sync; evaluate engineering trade‑offs; identify testing activities; drive engineering and process improvement.
• Supplier Collaboration: Act as a technical representative for supplier collaborations.
• Quality Assurance: Perform work within a graded quality assurance program and implement solutions to increase efficiency.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Experience: At least 2 years in design, procurement, assembly, safe operations, and analysis of first‑of‑a‑kind testing equipment; hands‑on fabrication experience preferred; experience with liquid metals, molten salts, steam or other high‑temperature fluids desirable.
• Technical Skills: LabVIEW or similar for data acquisition; ability to interpret P&IDs and fabrication drawings; basic understanding of fabrication and welding techniques; proficiency with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks) and preferably ANSYS or COMSOL; knowledge of modern software engineering practices and programming languages such as Python.
• Communication: Excellent technical writing and presentation skills to internal and external stakeholders, including regulators.
• Licenses/Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license is a bonus.

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and ethical standards; infuse this throughout the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Self‑starter with a can‑do attitude.
• Familiarity with basic program management processes and tools.
• Outside‑the‑box thinking grounded in practical engineering solutions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning.

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $130,000–190,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy is an equal‑to‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.