Liquid Metals Engineer

About Zap Energy

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.

About the Opportunity

Zap Energy is seeking a Liquid Metals Engineer to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will be a part of an integrated product team to deliver a liquid metal-cooled fission reactor in support of Zap’s integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing, testing, and operating high-temperature mechanical-fluid systems. 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 a product team and/or liquid metal component development efforts within an NQA-1 program that includes: 

• • Own or support the full development lifecycle (design, build, test, troubleshoot, operate) of a liquid metal system or component, including vessels, pumps, heat exchangers, and piping. 

• • Recommend and defend practical design solutions that consider manufacturing, quality, and licensing constraints. 

• • Consider and right-size use of industry codes and standards, such as ASME BPVC. 

• Line Manager: Dependent on experience level. If applicable, build out product team. Act as line manager for your team. Own your team’s technical performance, delivery of scope, and their professional development. 

• Individual Contribution: Identify the design space of a component, including requirements, constraints, and interfaces. Perform engineering (mechanical-fluid) analysis of the component. Run unknowns to ground via individual research.  Act as technical contact throughout the procurement process. Receive, inspect, commission, and operate equipment. 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. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with design, testing, and integration teams to ensure the 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 a 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, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program is required.  

• Technical Experience: At least 2 years of experience in design, procurement, assembly, safe operations, and analysis of first-of-a-kind testing equipment. Hands-on experience fabricating with metal in a professional or personal setting is preferred.  Experience with liquid metals, molten salts, steam, or other high temperature fluids is desirable. 

• Technical Skills: Demonstrated use of LabVIEW or other software for data acquisition, instrumentation, controls, and automation of custom equipment.  Ability to interpret P&IDs and fabrication drawings. Rudimentary understanding of fabrication and welding techniques. Proficiency with CAD software, such as SolidWorks. Proficiency with ANSYS or COMSOL preferred. Knowledge of modern software engineering practices and programming languages, such as Python. 

• 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: $120,000-190,000 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.