Sodium Pump Lead Engineer

About the Opportunity

Zap Energy is seeking a Sodium Pump Lead to support the Zap Modular Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will be a part of an integrated project team to deliver a liquid metal cooled fission reactor in support of Zap's integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate is an expert in turbomachinery and ASME Codes & Standards, including the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Sections VIII and Section III.

You will have the opportunity to work on the high-temperature reactor and liquid metal cooling teams. This role requires identifying and solving ill-defined first-of-a-kind problems. Being a team player is foundational to success in this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Pump Design Leadership:
• Own the design of primary and intermediate sodium pumps both small and large, in support of experiments and the ZMR
• Perform both first principle calculations and CFD/FEA when necessary.
• Develop the pump performance envelope used by plant analysts, including pump coastdown and transition to natural circulation, which is a load-bearing input to our safety analysis.
• Test & Qualification:
• Design, build, and commission liquid metal test loops to test and validate pumps.
• Run qualification test campaigns, measure pump curves and efficiency, perform endurance testing. Use this data to inform models and make design changes.
• Supplier Collaboration: Work with suppliers on fabrication, inspection, cleaning, and acceptance testing of pump assemblies and loop components.
• Regulatory Support: Produce the design documentation, requirements traceability, and V&V evidence needed for regulatory engagement, and support pre-application interactions.
• Safety & Procedures: Write and maintain sodium-handling procedures, and contribute to the hazard analyses and emergency response planning that go with them.
• Quality Assurance: Perform work within a graded quality assurance program. Identify and implement right-sized solutions to increase efficiency in execution, especially for cross-organizational functions related to quality assurance. Experience with NQA-1 is a plus.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program is required.
• Technical Experience: At least 8 years of experience in engineering and delivery of turbo machinery, complex systems, including nuclear reactors, flight vehicles, and industrial plants. Preference toward advanced non-water-cooled nuclear reactors or experience with moving magnet pumps, annular linear induction pumps, or centrifugal pumps.
• Technical Skills: Expert in pump design and analysis according to ASME Codes & Standards. Expert with ANSYS. Working experience with ASME BPVC Section III Division 5 is a huge plus. Knowledge of modern software engineering practices and programming languages, such as Python.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of pump hydraulics, pump curves, and rotating equipment performance principles.
• Communication: Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to clearly present complex information to both internal and external stakeholders, including regulators.
• Licenses/Certifications: A Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.

Personal Attributes and Skills

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

Pay and benefits

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $150,000-210,000 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.