Reactor DFMA Engineer

TerraPower LLC. • Bellevue, WA

6d • $143,101 - $185,846

About The Position

The Reactor DFMA Engineer leads reactor assembly, advises component fabrication strategies, and oversees supplier execution to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery for TerraPower’s Natrium project. The position reports to the Reactor DFMA Manager and works primarily with the Reactor Design Team, supply chain, reactor component fabricators, and assemblers. The engineer applies fabrication and assembly expertise to help advance commercial reactor deployment in collaboration with engineers and scientists.

The role includes on-site reactor assembly planning and major equipment installation; development of strategies for component fabrication, transportation, deployment, and assembly; and ownership of the reactor design-for-manufacturing-and-assembly process throughout the design lifecycle. The engineer develops supplier manufacturing plans and procurement strategies, addresses technical and field issues, and aligns supplier and partner work with project milestones and interfaces.

The position requires a relevant engineering degree and at least eight years of direct experience, or a master’s degree with commensurate experience. It is subject to qualification requirements under ANSI/ANS 3.1. The role involves prolonged work, primarily in a standard or seated work environment for more than eight hours per day, and requires travel of 0–10%.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited university and 8+ years of direct experience, or an M.S. with commensurate experience.
• Experience working to a nuclear quality standard, such as ASME NQA-1.
• Demonstrated experience in heavy mechanical or pressure-vessel fabrication and assembly, or oversight of supplier and subcontractor organizations in similar applications.
• Demonstrated diverse and robust experience in the design and fabrication of complex, multidisciplinary structures and equipment.
• High degree of trust and integrity, open communication, respect, and a desire to foster teamwork.
• Must meet applicable minimum education and experience criteria under ANSI/ANS 3.1, including relevant nuclear industry experience where required.
• Ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working under an ASME N-Certificate quality program.
• Experience with suppliers and subcontractors subject to 10 CFR 50 Appendix B quality programs.
• Experience in the design, fabrication, and construction of major nuclear mechanical components, nuclear reactor equipment, or similar equipment.
• Proficient knowledge and experience with nuclear quality fabrication, construction, and lifecycle management processes, including In-Service Inspection, material surveillance, vibration programs, and equipment qualification programs.
• Knowledge and experience in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Section VIII, and welding standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site reactor assembly planning and major equipment installation, optimizing assembly sequences, sodium fill strategies, and supporting equipment while maintaining quality and design compliance.
• Lead engineering strategies for reactor component fabrication, transportation, deployment, and assembly, including welding, examinations, pressure testing, and commissioning requirements.
• Own and implement the reactor DFMA process, integrating manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and deployment considerations throughout the design lifecycle.
• Drive cost and schedule reductions for future commercial reactors through modularization, alternative delivery strategies, advanced technologies, and standardized fabrication, inspection, cleanliness, and transportation requirements.
• Develop, review, and approve reactor component manufacturing plans and supplier documentation, ensuring compliance with ASME BPVC requirements, design intent, and good manufacturing practices.
• Resolve complex technical and field issues, conduct cross-disciplinary reviews, oversee partner and supplier compliance with quality, process, and design requirements, and escalate significant deviations as needed.
• Develop and implement major Reactor Enclosure System long-range procurement strategies; author or review technical content of procurements and subcontract packages; and review supplier selections before award.
• Establish technical deliverables and resource estimates, and align supplier and partner activities with reactor milestones and critical interfaces.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Eligibility to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments.
• Comprehensive medical and wellness benefits, including medical, vision, dental, life and disability coverage, and gender affirmation benefits.
• Parental leave.
• 401k plan.
• 21 days of annually accrued PTO.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional and educational support opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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