Manufacturing Team Lead - Fission

Zap Energy • Everett, WA

7d • $140,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Zap Energy is seeking a Manufacturing Team Lead to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will establish and mature a high-quality manufacturing capability and team to deliver equipment (vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, etc.) for a liquid metal cooled fission reactor in support of Zap’s integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in all operational aspects of a fabrication shop, including on-the-floor activities, machine maintenance, managing personnel, NDE/inspections, and quality assurance. This role will establish in-house capabilities and documentation necessary to secure ASME BPVC certifications, including but not limited to U Stamp and N Stamp. As Zap manufacturing matures, mass production of components will be the target, and this role will support definition of ZMR Factory requirements and buildout. This role requires identifying and solving ill-defined first-of-a-kind problems. Being a team player is foundational to success in this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited program is required.
• At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing and fabrication of hardware/components subject to industrial codes and standards.
• Expertise in manufacturing processes and fabrication methods.
• Expertise in ASME Codes & Standards.
• Refine machining tool paths for efficiency.
• Write clear instructions and/or processes for technicians to execute.
• Familiarity with mass manufacturing processes.
• At least 2 years of experience managing a team of three or more direct reports.
• Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to clearly present complex information to both internal and external stakeholders, including regulators.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 5 axis CNC machining experience preferred.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks CAD software.
• Authorized Inspector certification is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, build out, and lead manufacturing, eventually within a Quality Assurance program, of: Section VIII, Division 1 Vessels, Section III, Division 5 Vessels, ASME B31.3 Piping, Liquid Metal Pumps, Liquid Metal Heat Exchangers, Other bespoke, high-temperature components.
• Build out the Manufacturing team, including expertise in fabrication per ASME codes and standards.
• Act as line manager for your team.
• Develop and monitor metrics to assess and improve team performance.
• Own your team’s technical performance, delivery of scope, and their professional development.
• Develop overall strategy and roadmap for manufacturing capabilities to support testing, production, and testing of ZMR components.
• Define facility requirements necessary to support manufacturing needs.
• Write high quality documentation with rigor commensurate with the stage of the project and required quality level.
• Plan and assign work packages to meet schedule milestones.
• Review and approve fabrication documentation.
• Be the primary point of contact for Zap’s manufacturing capabilities.
• Work with design, testing, and integration teams to understand manufacturing needs and to provide feedback to ensure manufacturability.
• Participate in manufacturing reviews.
• Actively identify areas for engineering and process improvement, including implementation of solutions.
• Specify machines and work with Procurement to purchase.
• Act as a technical representative for supplier collaborations.
• 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.

Benefits

• Estimated salary range: $140,000-210,000 annually.
• Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy.
• 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 opportunity employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior