Chief Nuclear Engineer
full-time•Bellevue•$216k - $325k
About this role
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>TITLE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chief Nuclear Engineer</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>LOCATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bellevue, Washington, USA </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company’s activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) in an effort to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Chief Nuclear Engineer (CNE)</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">TerraPower is seeking a Chief Nuclear Engineer who provides comprehensive technical oversight and strategic direction for all engineering activities across the Natrium program, ensuring seamless integration of multi-disciplinary engineering efforts and maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence in Natrium reactor development and deployment. This position will work closely with other Natrium leadership and will report directly to the Natrium SVP.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Design Authority:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serves as the overall design authority for the Natrium technology</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Develop and maintain design authority capability</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set and maintain the standard of excellence for nuclear safety in engineered products, processes and people.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strategic Leadership:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establish and maintain technical strategies in partnership with project leadership</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Represent engineering disciplines in decision-making and change control processes</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drive integration and coordination across all engineering disciplines</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provide senior level consulting support to multiple project design completion efforts and product development activities</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provide technical advisement to TerraPower executive staff</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technical Oversight:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Provide comprehensive technical oversight across all engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, I&C, structural, nuclear, systems, and civil engineering</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ensure technical consistency and integration across all engineering deliverables</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Approve highly cross-functional technical deliverables and resolve technical conflicts between disciplines</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establish and maintain a network of subject matter experts across all engineering disciplines</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Develop and lead process for technical difference of opinion and arbitration</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guide resolution of complex technical issues and risks critical to project success</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team Management:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Chief Engineers to provide design authority functions across all natrium technology areas with emphasis on nuclear safety, design product quality, and timeliness of delivery</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Foster collaboration and effective communication between engineering disciplines</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coordinate resource allocation and workload balancing for Chief Engineers</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stakeholder Management:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Represents TerraPower in senior technical capacity facing significant external stakeholders such NRC, utilities, and major technology suppliers.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support licensing activities and regulatory interactions for all engineering disciplines</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Key Qualifications and Skills</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education and Experience:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.S. or higher in engineering from an accredited university (advanced degree preferred)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minimum 20 years of progressive engineering experience in the commercial nuclear power industry</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least 10 years in senior engineering management roles with personnel responsibilities</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technical Expertise:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comprehensive understanding of nuclear plant construction, commissioning, and operations</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advanced knowledge of nuclear quality programs, design control, and configuration management</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experience with new plant construction efforts, preferably including advanced reactor technologies</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Familiarity with the Licensing Modernization Project (LMP, NEI 18-04) framework</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and NRC interaction processes</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experience with plant delivery and construction management interfaces</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personal Attributes:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High degree of trust, integrity, and professional ethics</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exceptional communication skills with ability to interface effectively at all organizational levels</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strong decision-making capabilities with sound technical and business judgment</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ability to foster teamwork and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commitment to safety culture and technical excellence</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strategic mindset with ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Results-oriented with strong accountability for deliverables</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Job Functions </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repetitive work: Prolonged</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travel required 5-10%</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">TerraPower’s technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To facilitate TerraPower’s export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Government export authorization approval times vary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Job details </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Job Type</strong>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Full-time</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Salary Range Level 14:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$216,695 -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$325,042</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This range is specific to Washington State.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong>Benefits:</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Competitive Compensation</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits <br><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">o Medical<br></span>o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vision</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dental</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life and Disability</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gender Affirmation Benefits</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parental Leave</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>401k Plan</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21 days of annually accrued PTO</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generous Holiday Schedule</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .6in;">o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10 paid holidays</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relocation Assistance</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professional and Educational Support Opportunities</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in .3in;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flexible Work Schedule</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">TerraPower Career and Benefits information:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/</p>
What you'll do
- The Chief Nuclear Engineer will provide comprehensive technical oversight and strategic direction for all engineering activities across the Natrium program. This includes serving as the design authority and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence in reactor development and deployment.
About TerraPower
TerraPower is a leading nuclear innovation company that strives to improve the world through nuclear energy and science. TerraPower’s innovators create technologies to provide safe, affordable and abundant carbon-free energy. They devise ways to use heat and electricity to drive economic growth while decarbonizing industry. And they develop processes to extract radioisotopes for medical use in lifesaving cancer treatments.
We’re proud of our culture of mission-driven innovation. Our employees develop clean, safe energy to address climate change and global poverty, and drive medical advances for human health applications. We attract exceptional people and encourage them to confront big challenges with bold creativity. We drive hard for progress while keeping our values at the forefront.
TerraPower was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries that decided the private sector needed to take action in developing advanced nuclear energy to meet growing electricity needs, mitigate climate change and lift billions out of poverty. Advanced reactors and other isotopic applications are now possible with technology and enhanced computing capabilities that were unimaginable a few decades ago. At TerraPower, we are innovating in nuclear to improve the lives of people everywhere and to build the clean energy of tomorrow – today.
TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) in an effort to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does TerraPower pay for a Chief Nuclear Engineer?
TerraPower offers a competitive compensation package for the Chief Nuclear Engineer role. The salary range is USD 217k - 325k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Chief Nuclear Engineer do at TerraPower?
As a Chief Nuclear Engineer at TerraPower, you will: the Chief Nuclear Engineer will provide comprehensive technical oversight and strategic direction for all engineering activities across the Natrium program. This includes serving as the design authority and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence in reactor development and deployment..
Is the Chief Nuclear Engineer position at TerraPower remote?
The Chief Nuclear Engineer position at TerraPower is based in Bellevue, Washington, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Chief Nuclear Engineer position at TerraPower?
You can apply for the Chief Nuclear Engineer position at TerraPowerdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.