Sodium Pump Lead Engineer

Zap Energy • Everett, WA

2d • $150,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Zap Energy is seeking a Sodium Pump Lead to support the Zap Modular Reactor (ZMR) program. The role is part of an integrated project team delivering a liquid-metal-cooled fission reactor in support of Zap's integrated nuclear mission. The engineer will work with the high-temperature reactor and liquid metal cooling teams, addressing ill-defined first-of-a-kind problems. Expertise in turbomachinery and ASME Codes & Standards, including BPVC Sections VIII and III, is central to the role. A collaborative approach is foundational to success. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization.

The role leads the design of small and large primary and intermediate sodium pumps for experiments and the ZMR; develops pump performance envelopes, including coastdown and transition to natural circulation; and uses calculations, CFD, and FEA as appropriate. It also includes designing, building, and commissioning liquid-metal test loops; conducting pump qualification and endurance testing; collaborating with suppliers on fabrication, inspection, cleaning, and acceptance testing; preparing documentation and verification evidence for regulatory engagement; maintaining sodium-handling procedures; and contributing to hazard analysis, emergency response planning, and a graded quality assurance program.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant ABET-accredited engineering program and at least eight years of relevant engineering and delivery experience. The estimated salary range is $150,000–$210,000 annually. Actual salary depends on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• At least 8 years of experience in engineering and delivery of turbomachinery or complex systems, such as nuclear reactors, flight vehicles, or industrial plants.
• Expertise in pump design and analysis according to ASME Codes & Standards.
• Expertise with ANSYS.
• Strong understanding of pump hydraulics, pump curves, and rotating equipment performance principles.
• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to present complex information clearly to internal and external stakeholders, including regulators.
• Currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and ethical engineering standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with a can-do attitude.
• Familiarity and competence with basic program management processes and tools.
• Effective verbal and written communication and ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.
• Adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advanced non-water-cooled nuclear reactors, moving magnet pumps, annular linear induction pumps, or centrifugal pumps is preferred.
• Working experience with ASME BPVC Section III Division 5 is a plus.
• Knowledge of modern software engineering practices and programming languages such as Python.
• NQA-1 experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the design of primary and intermediate sodium pumps, both small and large, for experiments and the ZMR.
• Perform first-principles calculations and use CFD/FEA when necessary.
• Develop pump performance envelopes for plant analysts, including pump coastdown and transition to natural circulation, as inputs to safety analysis.
• Design, build, and commission liquid-metal test loops to test and validate pumps.
• Run qualification test campaigns, measure pump curves and efficiency, and perform endurance testing; use results to inform models and design changes.
• Work with suppliers on fabrication, inspection, cleaning, and acceptance testing of pump assemblies and loop components.
• Produce design documentation, requirements traceability, and verification and validation evidence for regulatory engagement; support pre-application interactions.
• Write and maintain sodium-handling procedures and contribute to hazard analyses and emergency response planning.
• Perform work within a graded quality assurance program and identify and implement appropriately scoped ways to improve execution efficiency, especially across organizational quality functions.

What This Job Offers

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