Senior Analytical Chemist

TerraPower•Everett, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

TerraPower, LLC is committed to delivering transformative nuclear technologies that provide safe, cost-effective, and carbon-free energy solutions, supporting global decarbonization goals. The Natrium program is a cornerstone of this effort, and we are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Analytical Chemist to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the analytical foundation of the Natrium advanced reactor program. As a member of the Natrium Central Chemistry team, you will be directly responsible for advancing the chemical understanding of Natrium systems and processes and for developing robust analytical and experimental capabilities that support the characterization and chemistry control of sodium, solar salt, fuel/material-related samples, cover gas, and other Natrium process streams. Reporting to the Natrium Central Chemistry Discipline Senior Manager, you will serve as both a technical leader and hands-on contributor, designing experiments, developing robust analytical methodologies, setting up and operating laboratory equipment, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, and providing critical data that underpins reactor safety, materials performance, chemistry control, and operational readiness. The position requires deep technical expertise, strong experimental judgment, and a strong collaborative spirit to interface effectively with colleagues across design, operations, materials, fuel, safety, testing, and safeguards teams.

Requirements

Master’s or Ph.D degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physical science, or a related technical field required; (Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a Master’s, or a Ph.D.)
Experience with thermodynamic modeling using FactSage, Thermochimica, or similar software is desirable
Hands-on experience with analytical characterization techniques such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES, gamma spectroscopy, or related elemental/isotopic analytical methods. Expertise in multiple techniques is preferred but experience with every listed technique is not required
Hands-on experience with DSC, TGA, or other thermophysical/thermal characterization techniques is highly desirable
Proven track record in analytical method development using relevant analytical or materials-characterization techniques
Demonstrated experience designing, setting up, executing, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments and experimental systems including equipment installation, commissioning, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting is highly desirable
Experience handling sodium metal or other air- or moisture-sensitive/reactive materials desired
Experience working in gloveboxes, inert-atmosphere systems, or controlled-environment experimental systems is desirable
Experience with chemical and radiochemical separations (e.g., column separations, liquid-liquid extractions) is desirable
Experience with quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, Python, chemometrics, or machine-learning approaches is desirable
Experience with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, gas analysis, Raman spectroscopy, or other complementary analytical techniques is a plus
Experience supporting materials testing, corrosion studies, fuel/material compatibility studies, or high-temperature chemistry experiments is a plus
Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute technical work while collaborating effectively with scientists and engineers from multiple disciplines
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders
Proven ability to work collaboratively, build trust, and foster teamwork across multidisciplinary teams
High degree of professional integrity, openness, and respect in interactions with colleagues and external partners
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 will be part of the hiring process.

Nice To Haves

Experience with thermodynamic modeling using FactSage, Thermochimica, or similar software is desirable
Hands-on experience with DSC, TGA, or other thermophysical/thermal characterization techniques is highly desirable
Demonstrated experience designing, setting up, executing, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments and experimental systems including equipment installation, commissioning, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting is highly desirable
Experience handling sodium metal or other air- or moisture-sensitive/reactive materials desired
Experience working in gloveboxes, inert-atmosphere systems, or controlled-environment experimental systems is desirable
Experience with chemical and radiochemical separations (e.g., column separations, liquid-liquid extractions) is desirable
Experience with quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, Python, chemometrics, or machine-learning approaches is desirable
Experience with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, gas analysis, Raman spectroscopy, or other complementary analytical techniques is a plus
Experience supporting materials testing, corrosion studies, fuel/material compatibility studies, or high-temperature chemistry experiments is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead development and implementation of robust analytical methods and procedures for Natrium sample characterization, including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, gamma spectroscopy where applicable, and other relevant techniques
Lead and perform thermophysical and thermal characterization activities using techniques such as DSC and TGA, including experimental planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Perform and interpret thermodynamic calculations using FactSage, Thermochimica, or similar tools to support sodium, solar salt, cover gas, fuel/material, and impurity chemistry evaluations
Design, set up, execute, and document laboratory experiments supporting Natrium chemistry, materials, and process-development needs
Develop experimental approaches to address technical questions involving sodium, salts, cover gas, corrosion products, impurities, materials, and other Natrium-relevant systems
Develop, generate, and review the generation and review of technical work products such as certificates of analysis/conformance, research reports, procedures, and publications
Manage analytical scope related to measuring purity, and performing mass balance evaluations of Natrium-relevant materials and analysis of in-process samples for quality control
Lead the development and implementation of robust chemical and analytical separation processes needed to produce high quality data from high-salt-matrix and other challenging Natrium samples
Lead and support installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Natrium analytical instruments and equipment
Take ownership of laboratory equipment and experimental systems, including development of operating procedures, maintenance strategies, calibration requirements, and troubleshooting
Analyze experimental data, evaluate data quality and uncertainty, identify trends and anomalies, and translate results into actionable technical conclusions and recommendations for Natrium engineering teams
Ensure laboratory procedures are developed, maintained, and continuously improved
Maintain high standards of organization, housekeeping, and operational effectiveness in Natrium analytical and chemistry facilities
Ensure strict adherence to site safety, chemical safety, and, where applicable, radiation protection and regulatory guidelines, working closely with health physicists, authorized users, and the RSO as required
Promote a culture of safety in all experimental and operational activities
Drive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities, safety practices, and team effectiveness
Perform other general duties associated with position as member of the Natrium Central Chemistry team to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of TerraPower efforts