Micro Reactor Lead Engineer

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

Zap Energy is seeking a Reactor Team Lead to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will lead an integrated product team through the full product lifecycle (design, testing, fabrication, commissioning, build) to deliver a liquid metal cooled fission reactor in support of Zap’s integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in mechanical engineering, including industry codes and standards (ASME BPVC), and familiarity with nuclear reactor design analysis methods and tools. This role requires identifying and solving ill-defined first-of-a-kind problems. Being a team player is foundational to success in this role. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Leadership: Plan, organize and lead reactor engineering and hardware delivery, within an NQA-1 program, including: 

• • Reactor Core 

• • Nuclear Fuel 

• • Reactor Internals 

• • Reactor Vessel  

• • Reactivity Control System 

• • Software V&V 

• • Integration of Design, Testing, and Safety Case Activities 

• • Development of Design Basis Documentation 

• Line Manager: Build out the Reactor team, including expertise in nuclear reactor analysis, fuel design and qualification, and high-temperature vessel design. 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. 

• Individual Contribution: Perform engineering analysis in support of Reactor development. 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 engineering deliverables, including supplier submittals. Be the primary point of contact for the ZMR Reactor design basis. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with design, testing, and integration teams to ensure design basis and safety basis are in-sync. Identify and evaluate engineering trade-offs for design basis and safety-basis, especially when in conflict. Identify key testing activities to simplify or gain confidence in the design. Actively identify areas for engineering and process improvement, including implementation of solutions. 

• Supplier Collaboration: Act as the technical representative for supplier collaborations.  

• Quality Assurance: 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. 

Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program is required.  

• Technical Experience: At least 8 years of experience in engineering and delivery of complex systems, including nuclear reactors, flight vehicles, and industrial plants. Preference toward advanced non-water-cooled nuclear reactors. 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in mechanical design and analysis according to ASME Codes & Standard. Proficiency in nuclear reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and transient behavior. Experience using reactor analysis tools and software, including writing design and calculation reports. Knowledge of modern software engineering practices and programming languages, such as Python. 

• Managerial Experience: At least 2 years of experience managing a team of three or more direct reports. 

• Communication: Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to clearly present complex information to both internal and external stakeholders, including regulators. 

• Licenses/Certifications: A Professional Engineer (PE) license is a bonus. 

Personal Attributes and Skills 

• 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. 

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $150,000-210,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and 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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.