Core Component Design Manager, Pinned Assemblies

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Core Component Design Manager, Pinned Assemblies

Company: TerraPower LLC.

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Nuclear Engineering Operations

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the comprehensive design lifecycle for Natrium fuel assemblies, ensuring adherence to rigorous nuclear industry standards and project timelines.

• Serve as the ultimate technical design authority for all pinned assemblies, validating engineering integrity and manufacturability.

• Manage and mentor a team of specialized engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement within the Core Component Design (CCD) group.

• Interface extensively with regulatory bodies, key stakeholders, and customers to address discipline-specific design issues and ensure compliance.

• Drive the development and refinement of engineering tools, design criteria, and best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy in core component design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the advanced nuclear reactor sector, focusing on the critical design and fabrication of fuel assemblies. The "Pinned Assemblies" designation suggests a focus on components requiring precise assembly and high structural integrity, common in nuclear fuel and reactor core components. The emphasis on ASME codes and FEA analysis points to a need for deep technical expertise in mechanical and nuclear engineering principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the technical scope for the design of Natrium fuel assemblies, from conceptualization through to fabrication-ready documentation.

• Act as the primary technical design authority for all pinned assemblies, providing expert review and approval for design outputs.

• Maintain open and effective communication channels with the Natrium Fuel Design, Analysis, and Supply leadership, as well as upstream and downstream stakeholders, to ensure seamless integration of design and production efforts.

• Proactively identify and communicate major technical issues to senior management and relevant stakeholders, proposing and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Support and oversee complex analytical work, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to validate design performance and safety margins.

• Contribute to the advancement of engineering tools and methodologies utilized by the discipline, recommending and implementing new technologies or process improvements.

• Identify and engage external subject matter experts (SMEs) when required to address specialized technical challenges or knowledge gaps.

• Conduct regular meetings with discipline engineers to ensure effective dissemination of project and discipline information, fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Develop and maintain the engineering staffing plan for the discipline, collaborating with project teams to forecast resource needs and manage workload.

• Participate actively in the recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of new engineers joining the CCD group, including mentoring and providing challenging assignments.

• Resolve priority conflicts and resource allocation issues within the discipline, escalating unresolved matters to senior management.

• Assist in the development, maintenance, and enforcement of discipline guidelines, including design criteria, design guides, desktop instructions, and design notes.

• Perform self-assessments of work processes and technical adequacy, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, project standards, and industry best practices.

• Provide oversight and inspection of technical tasks and deliverables within the group's scope of responsibility.

• Demonstrate visible leadership in safety and quality, embedding these principles into all aspects of the design process.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and drive the initiation and expediting of work process changes.

• Review and concur with the technical content of Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and subcontract packages prior to bid, ensuring alignment with design requirements.

• Provide engineering review and concurrence for the procurement strategy for select discipline commodities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and people/process management. The role requires not only deep engineering expertise but also the ability to manage a team, interface with various stakeholders (internal, external, regulatory), and drive process improvements. The accountability to the Natrium Core Design Senior Manager emphasizes the critical nature of this role in ensuring safe and reliable nuclear reactor operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant technical field from an accredited university.

• Master of Science (M.S.) or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline is strongly preferred and may be considered with commensurate experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience within the nuclear industry.

• At least 2 years in a combined technical leadership and management role, with ongoing responsibilities for executing project technical scope alongside managerial duties.

• Experience in the power industry or other highly regulated industries is a valuable asset. Required Skills:

• Nuclear Engineering Principles: Deep understanding of nuclear reactor design, fuel assemblies, and core components.

• Mechanical Design: Expertise in mechanical design principles, component integrity, and system integration.

• ASME Codes: Proven experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, specifically Section VIII (Pressure Vessels) and/or Section III (Nuclear Power Plant Components).

• CAD Proficiency: Minimum of 3,000 hours of CAD experience, with a strong preference for SolidWorks.

• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T): Proficient application of ASME Y14.5M standards for precise engineering drawings.

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, and manage technical projects.

• Communication: Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to work with minimal direction to solve complex technical challenges.

• Integrity & Teamwork: High degree of trust, integrity, open communication, respect, and a commitment to fostering teamwork.

Preferred Skills:

• FEA Analysis: Experience with Finite Element Analysis software such as ANSYS, SW Simulation, or ABAQUS.

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

• Regulatory Interface: Experience interacting with regulatory bodies (e.g., NRC) and managing compliance.

• Procurement Strategy: Understanding of procurement processes for specialized engineering components.

• Quality Assurance: Knowledge of quality assurance principles in highly regulated environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience level derived from the "8+ years" requirement plus the "2 years in a combined technical leadership role" is a reasonable inference for a management position. The emphasis on specific ASME codes and CAD/FEA software indicates a need for hands-on technical depth, not just theoretical management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation: Showcase examples of detailed design packages for complex mechanical components, including drawings, specifications, and calculations.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present instances where you identified and implemented improvements to engineering design workflows, leading to measurable gains in efficiency, quality, or cost reduction.

• Technical Authority Examples: Provide evidence of your role as a technical design authority, demonstrating decision-making processes for critical design elements and risk mitigation.

• Team Management & Mentorship: Include examples of how you have managed engineering teams, fostered professional development, and resolved technical conflicts.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing engineering workflows, particularly for complex assemblies and regulated industries. This includes mapping current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing streamlined alternatives.

• System Implementation & Automation: Showcase projects where you have introduced or improved engineering systems (e.g., CAD, PDM/PLM, FEA tools) or implemented automation to enhance design processes and data management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Illustrate how you have established metrics to track the performance of design processes and engineering teams, using data to drive continuous improvement and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in a highly regulated industry like nuclear energy, a portfolio demonstrating process thinking, leadership in implementing improvements, and the ability to manage complex documentation is crucial. The emphasis on ASME codes and CAD/FEA suggests that examples of these specific technical outputs, alongside the management aspects, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $153,861 - $205,149 annually

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments.

• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Gender Affirmation Benefits

• Parental Leave: Support for new parents.

• 401k Plan: Retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 21 days of annually accrued PTO.

• Generous Holiday Schedule: 10 paid holidays.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for relocating to the Bellevue, WA area.

• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities: Resources for continued learning and professional development.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be available for certain tasks or project deadlines, but core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and management duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Washington State. The benefits package is comprehensive, with particular attention to gender affirmation benefits and generous PTO, reflecting a modern employer approach. The mention of discretionary short-term incentives suggests a performance-driven compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Nuclear Technology & Energy Development. TerraPower is pioneering next-generation nuclear reactors (Natrium) and developing innovations in medical isotopes. This is a highly specialized and technically demanding sector.

Company Size: TerraPower is a significant player in its niche, employing a substantial workforce dedicated to complex engineering and scientific endeavors. While the exact number isn't provided, the scope of their projects indicates a medium to large-sized organization with specialized departments.

Founded: 2006. Founded by Bill Gates, TerraPower has a strong vision for global impact through advanced energy solutions and medical innovations. This founding vision likely influences a culture of innovation, long-term thinking, and a commitment to solving significant global challenges.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role sits within the Natrium Fuel Design and Supply team, likely comprising specialized engineers focused on fuel assembly design, analysis, and fabrication readiness.

• Reporting Structure: The Core Component Design Manager reports to the Natrium Core Design Senior Manager, indicating a clear hierarchy within the engineering function.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive interface with upstream (e.g., reactor design) and downstream (e.g., fabrication, supply chain, regulatory affairs) stakeholders, emphasizing a highly collaborative GTM (Go-To-Market) operational approach.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Expect a strong emphasis on rigorous engineering analysis (FEA), adherence to strict codes (ASME), and validation through testing and simulation.

• Process Optimization: The role actively seeks to improve work processes, develop discipline guidelines, and leverage new tools, indicating a commitment to lean engineering principles and continuous improvement.

• Safety & Quality Focus: Given the industry, safety and quality are paramount and are expected to be visibly led and integrated into all operations and decision-making.

Company Website: https://www.terrapower.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on advanced nuclear technology implies a culture that values deep technical expertise, rigorous scientific methodology, and a long-term commitment to innovation and global impact. The "pinned assemblies" aspect suggests a precision-oriented engineering culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within the engineering and operations function. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in nuclear and mechanical engineering and proven leadership capabilities in managing technical teams and processes. The scope of responsibility as the technical design authority for core components places it at a critical juncture of the product development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Natrium Core Design Senior Manager, indicating a direct line of accountability for core component design outcomes. This position likely has direct reports, including engineers working on specific design tasks.

Operations Impact: The Core Component Design Manager has a direct and critical impact on the safety, reliability, efficiency, and economic viability of TerraPower's Natrium reactor technology. Their work ensures that fuel assemblies are designed to meet stringent performance and regulatory requirements, which is fundamental to the successful development and deployment of the reactor.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced nuclear fuel design, reactor physics, or materials science.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Senior Manager or Director-level roles within Engineering, leading larger teams or broader functional areas.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transition into roles managing broader aspects of the Natrium program, such as Fuel Supply Chain Management or Integrated Reactor Design.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry standards development and represent TerraPower in technical forums and regulatory discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step for an experienced engineer looking to move into management while remaining technically grounded. Growth paths would involve expanding management scope or deepening technical specialization within the advanced nuclear field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role is based in Bellevue, Washington, at TerraPower's headquarters.

Office Location(s): Bellevue, Washington, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant technology hub and a high quality of life.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace designed for collaboration among engineers, designers, and project teams. The emphasis on interfacing with stakeholders suggests frequent team meetings and discussions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering software, including CAD (SolidWorks preferred), FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS), and potentially PDM/PLM systems for design data management.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with direct reports, senior management, and cross-functional teams involved in the Natrium program.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with an expectation of on-site presence. The nature of managing critical design elements and teams may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving direct supervision, hands-on use of specialized equipment or software, and intensive team collaboration in a highly regulated environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications (education, experience, core skills).

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on nuclear/mechanical engineering principles, ASME codes, CAD/FEA experience, and problem-solving methodologies. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Management/Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management experience, communication skills, and ability to handle complex stakeholder relationships.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio, showcasing specific projects, design rationales, process improvements, and leadership achievements.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the process you followed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved safety margins).

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you mentored engineers, resolved team conflicts, or led cross-functional initiatives.

• Technical Depth: Present detailed examples of design work, calculations, and analyses, especially those involving ASME codes or FEA. Highlight your role as the technical design authority.

• Process Improvement Examples: Detail how you identified and implemented improvements to engineering workflows or introduced new tools/technologies.

• Tailor to TerraPower: Research TerraPower's Natrium technology and mission to frame your experience and portfolio examples in a way that demonstrates alignment with their goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge related to fuel assemblies or pinned components. Focus on your problem-solving approach, how you'd involve your team, and how you'd ensure safety and compliance.

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to outline how you would improve a specific aspect of the core component design process.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and specific technical skills (ASME, CAD, FEA) suggests that candidates will need to demonstrate tangible evidence of their capabilities beyond just experience years.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: SolidWorks (highly preferred), with a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience.

• FEA Analysis Software: ANSYS, SW Simulation, or ABAQUS (preferred).

• Design Management: Potentially Product Data Management (PDM) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing design documents and revisions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics: Tools and methodologies for tracking engineering team performance, project progress, and design quality metrics.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret engineering analysis results and performance data to inform design decisions and process improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, the role requires managing communication and project workflows, which may involve project management software or integrated engineering platforms.

• Workflow Automation: Experience or interest in automating repetitive engineering tasks or processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of SolidWorks and FEA tools indicates these are critical technical proficiencies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with these specific technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Quality First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of nuclear technology through rigorous design and quality assurance processes.

• Innovation & Vision: A drive to develop groundbreaking energy solutions, reflecting the company's founding vision and commitment to solving global challenges.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all operations, decision-making, and interactions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and collective problem-solving are valued.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: A dedication to achieving technical excellence and consistently seeking ways to enhance processes, performance, and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative approach, with active engagement across engineering disciplines, project management, supply chain, and regulatory affairs to ensure integrated project success.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on work processes and technical approaches to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing expertise and best practices within the engineering team and across departments to build collective knowledge and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and industry dictate a culture that is highly professional, safety-conscious, and forward-thinking, blending rigorous engineering discipline with a pioneering spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Designing and validating components for advanced nuclear reactors involves significant technical hurdles and requires deep expertise in specialized fields.

• Regulatory Environment: Navigating the stringent regulatory landscape of the nuclear industry requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict compliance standards.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders, including regulators, customers, and internal teams, can be demanding.

• Pioneering New Technology: As a company developing novel technologies, there will be inherent challenges in proving concepts, establishing new processes, and overcoming unforeseen technical obstacles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Nuclear Technologies: Gain unparalleled experience in the design and development of next-generation nuclear reactors and related technologies.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading industry events and pursue relevant professional certifications.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Benefit from guidance from senior leaders and participate in programs designed to cultivate leadership skills within a high-stakes environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Work closely with experts in various fields, broadening your understanding of the entire nuclear energy lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to pioneering advanced technology in a highly regulated sector, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and development for individuals who thrive in such environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to designing critical nuclear components, emphasizing safety, reliability, and compliance with ASME codes." (Prepare with examples of your design process, risk assessment, and adherence to standards.)

• Team Leadership: "How do you foster a culture of technical excellence and accountability within an engineering team, especially when managing diverse skill sets and personalities?" (Prepare with specific examples of mentoring, conflict resolution, and performance management.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a complex technical challenge you faced in a previous role, detailing your analysis, the solution you implemented, and the resulting impact." (Focus on a problem relevant to component design or process optimization.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "What excites you about TerraPower's mission, and how do you see your role contributing to our goal of advancing nuclear energy?" (Research TerraPower's mission, values, and current projects.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you would contribute to fostering collaboration and open communication within the Core Component Design team." (Relate your collaboration style to the values outlined in the job description.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your team's engineering efforts and the overall impact of design decisions on project outcomes?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, design reviews, and feedback loops.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the solution (including technical details and process steps), and the quantifiable outcome.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your management and mentorship contributions.

• Technical Rigor: Be ready to dive deep into the technical aspects of your designs, calculations, and analyses, particularly those involving ASME codes and FEA.

• Process Improvement Focus: Showcase instances where you improved engineering workflows or implemented new tools.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and discussions, demonstrating your ability to articulate complex ideas and respond thoughtfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the technical and leadership demands of this role, interviewers will probe deeply into both your engineering acumen and your management capabilities, with a strong emphasis on how you handle complex, regulated projects and lead technical teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link on the TerraPower careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes (Sections VIII and III), proficiency in SolidWorks (or similar CAD), and any experience with FEA tools like ANSYS. Include case studies of complex component design, process improvements in engineering workflows, and examples of your technical leadership.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of nuclear industry experience, your degree in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering, and your leadership roles. Quantify achievements wherever possible, focusing on outcomes related to design integrity, process efficiency, and team management.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your technical expertise, leadership philosophy, and problem-solving approach. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio and how your experience aligns with TerraPower's mission and the requirements of managing pinned assembly designs.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research TerraPower's Natrium technology, its mission, and its commitment to safety and innovation. Understand the context of advanced nuclear energy development and how your role contributes to this ambitious vision.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.