Principal Engineer, Core Thermal Hydraulics Methods and Analysis

About the role

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.

About the role

The Principal Engineer reporting to the Manager of Core Thermal Hydraulics Methods and Analysis develops and applies thermal-hydraulic analysis methods, performs code validation, applies first-principles calculations, and integrates with multidisciplinary teams to solve reactor-core design challenges and support testing programs. The role provides technical recommendations through formal documentation and presentations, requiring strong analytical skills, expertise with nuclear systems codes, and the ability to work concurrently across multiple complex tasks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply thermal-hydraulic analysis methods, including steady state and transient one-dimensional network hydraulic analyses, and identify and implement strategies for validation of the analytical methods
• Computational analysis of in-core steady-state thermal hydraulic phenomena
• Perform code benchmarking and validation analyses to support code qualification and methodology development
• Perform calculations using first principles of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics to support and validate analysis results
• Integrate with other engineering groups performing aspects of component, system, fuel, and control system analysis and related thermal-hydraulic testing
• Support development of testing programs needed for reactor core & components
• Exercises independent technical judgment and decision-making within delegated authority and leads the resolution of complex, high-impact engineering issues that span systems or disciplines.
• Provide input to project planning through defining the work scopes for the critical path of the project
• Lead cross-disciplinary teams to analyze the thermal and mechanical design considerations for the safety of the reactor and its components
• Provide technical presentations on analyses performed to the broader team, and provide periodic updates to leadership.
• Prepare informal and formal reports to document findings and make reasoned recommendations, and report to core thermal hydraulic team manager/lead
• Provides technical leadership by mentoring and guiding other engineers, establishing technical direction, and reviewing engineering work products to ensure technical rigor, quality, and compliance with applicable procedures.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 6 years of related experience with Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree. PhD without commercial experience may be acceptable with relevant research or expertise.
• Programming language proficiency in either python or C++ a plus
• Experience with a nuclear systems code, or subchannel analysis code (e.g. RELAP, SASSYS, GOTHIC, VIPRE-01) a plus
• Demonstrated ability to participate on a multi-disciplinary team of engineers
• Experience with analysis of nuclear reactor core subchannel analysis a plus
• Experience with low Prandtl number heat transfer analysis a strong plus
• Experience with high temperature thermal-fluid systems (e.g. sodium) a plus
• Creative thinker with demonstrated strong analytical/problem solving skills
• Ability to work on multiple tasks concurrently during a given work week
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trustworthiness and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork

Additional information

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.

Salary Range

$143,101.00 - $185,846.00

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 Affirmation Benefits
• Parental Leave
• 401k 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