Simulator Engineer - Training & Simulation Engineering

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 Simulator Engineer will play a critical role in the design, development, integration, and sustainment of a first-of-a-kind (FOAK) fast sodium reactor (FSR) training simulator within our training organization. This role ensures that the simulator accurately reflects plant dynamics, control logic, and thermophysical behavior unique to fast sodium reactor technology.

You will work with multiple programming languages (FORTRAN, C++, Python) and real-time simulation platforms (3 Key Master, R*Time, RTP) to support operator training, engineering support, and scenario development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance dynamic models of reactor systems, including primary sodium coolant loops, intermediate circuits, decay heat removal systems, and associated instrumentation & control (I&C) logic using FORTRAN, C++, and Python.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot real-time simulation platforms (R*Time and RTP), and support integration with control room hardware, digital I&C, and interface systems.
• Employ 33 Key Master tools for model version control, configuration management, performance benchmarking, and change tracking.
• Collaborate with reactor design engineers, I&C engineers, training specialists, and human factors experts to ensure simulator fidelity across normal operations, transients, and off-normal conditions.
• Participate in simulator upgrade or replacement projects, including rehosting, model enhancements, digital I&C adaptation, and improved visualization.
• Perform acceptance testing, validation, debugging, and model verification to ensure simulator behavior aligns with plant calculations, design basis events, and training needs.
• Support training sessions by diagnosing simulator issues, implementing corrective model actions, and minimizing downtime during training.
• Produce and maintain detailed engineering documentation, model descriptions, test records, and change logs in compliance with nuclear quality assurance (QA) standards and configuration control processes.
• Align simulator development with applicable standards such as ANSI/ANS-3.5, NRC licensing requirements (10 CFR 55), and INPO accreditation.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline OR relevant work experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in training simulator engineering, real-time simulation, or plant system modeling-preferably in a nuclear or heavily regulated environment.
• Proficiency in FORTRAN, C++, and Python programming languages.
• Experience working with real-time simulation platforms (R*Time and/or RTP).
• Familiarity with 3 Key Master or equivalent configuration management/version control environments.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Skills

• Direct experience supporting nuclear simulator development for advanced reactor technologies (fast reactors, sodium-cooled systems) or first-of-a-kind plants.
• Understanding of fast reactor physics, liquid-metal thermal/hydraulics, sodium coolant system behavior, or similar advanced reactor technologies.
• Knowledge of ANSI/ANS-3.5 simulator standards, NRC licensing processes (10 CFR 50/52), INPO simulator accreditation, or nuclear QA (NQA-1).
• Experience in the training organization of a nuclear power plant or working with digital I&C integration, human-system interface (HSI) validation, or plant commissioning.
• Eligibility for U.S. government export-controlled work (e.g., U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, Permanent Resident) due to TerraPower's controlled technology status.

Key Competencies

• High technical aptitude and adaptability, especially in emerging nuclear technologies.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong collaboration skills-able to work effectively with instructors, engineers, designers, and training staff.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-driven learner with strong initiative for technical improvement and innovation.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication, capable of articulating complex technical topics to diverse audiences.

Additional Information

• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to plant design, training facilities, or vendor sites may be required.
• Technology Access: This role may involve export-controlled or regulated technologies. Applicants may need to provide citizenship or immigration status.
• Benefits: TerraPower offers a comprehensive total-rewards package, including a competitive salary, medical/wellness benefits, PTO, and professional development opportunities.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available.

Additional information

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

• Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position.
• These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.
• Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.

• 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%

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: $141,385 - $212,079

Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual's qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Wyoming State.

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