Loop Engineer - Test and Fill Facility

  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.” 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. 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.  Loop Engineer • Test and Fill Facility The Loop Engineer will be responsible for the configuration, operation, and performance of sodium test loops supporting Natrium development and validation activities. This role focuses on high-temperature liquid sodium systems and associated inserting, fill, drain, purification, and thermal-hydraulic test capabilities at TerraPower’s test facilities. As a member of the Test and Fill Facility team the engineer will work closely with, Natrium system engineers, safety analysis, operations and maintenance staff to ensure sodium loop tests are planned and executed safely, efficiently, and with high data quality. Key Responsibilities Refine sodium test loop configurations to represent Natrium operating conditions (flow, temperature, pressure, transients, and chemistry). Support P&ID development, equipment layout, and integration with facility utilities (power, inert gas, ventilation, fire protection, and safety systems). Perform steady-state and transient system analyses of sodium loops to define operating envelopes, setpoints, and test conditions. Calculate pressure drops, flow distribution, thermal profiles, and equipment performance margins based on loop configuration and test objectives. Support test matrix development, including definition of key parameters (flow, temperature, thermal cycling, upset conditions) and required measurement accuracy. Develop and maintain operating procedures, start-up and shutdown sequences, and abnormal event response for sodium loops. Provide engineering support to operations during test runs, including real-time assessment of loop performance and troubleshooting. Monitor loop parameters (sodium temperature, flow, level, pressure, oxygen/hydrogen content, cover gas conditions) for compliance with test plans and facility limits. Diagnose and resolve performance issues related to pumps, heaters, valves, instrumentation, and control logic in sodium service. Ensure sodium loop designs and operations comply with facility safety bases, hazard analyses, and applicable codes/standards. Support and/or perform hazard analyses, FMEA, and operating limit definition for sodium systems (e.g., leak scenarios, freeze/melt, over-temperature). Maintain configuration control of loop hardware, and software, including documentation of changes and formal review/approval processes. Contribute to development and maintenance of emergency procedures for sodium-related events and abnormal loop conditions. Define instrumentation needs for sodium loops (thermocouples, flow meters, pressure transducers, level sensors, chemistry probes, and cover gas measurements), including ranges, accuracies, and locations. Collaborate with data acquisition and controls staff to ensure reliable, time-synchronized data collection and appropriate sampling rates for transients. Validate and interpret test data, comparing results with analytical models and design expectations; identify discrepancies and support root cause investigations. Prepare concise technical reports and presentations translating loop results into actionable input for Natrium systems, safety analysis, and design teams. Support vendor interactions for sodium-compatible equipment, defining test requirements and integration approaches. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline Typically 3–8 years of relevant experience in thermal-hydraulic systems, test facilities, nuclear/industrial process systems, or high-temperature fluid loops. Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, with practical application to loop design and operation. Experience with system modeling/analysis tools (e.g., engineering calculation tools, MATLAB, Modelica, or similar). Ability to perform and document engineering calculations with clear assumptions and rationale. Familiarity with P&IDs, equipment sizing/selection, and basic piping design. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capability in complex, integrated systems. Effective technical communication, both written and verbal, with cross-functional teams and operations staff. Ability to work in a dynamic test environment, prioritize tasks, and adapt to evolving test plans and facility needs. Desired Qualifications Master’s degree preferred. Knowledge of instrumentation and controls concepts, data acquisition, and calibration practices for high-temperature environments. Experience with sodium or other liquid metal systems highly preferred. Experience with high-temperature water/steam or specialty fluids is beneficial. This position is subject to qualification requirements in accordance with ANSI/ANS 3.1. Candidates must meet the minimum education and experience criteria applicable to the role, including relevant nuclear industry experience where required. Verification of data will be part of the hiring process. Job Functions: Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.  Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.  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. Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands) Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds. Repetitive work: Prolonged Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day Travel required 0-10% TerraPower’s technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.  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.  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.  Government export authorization approval times vary.  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. Job details Salary Range: $102,246 - $132,787Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Wyoming State. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: Competitive Compensation Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits Medical Vision Dental Life and Disability Gender Affirmation Benefits Parental Leave 401k Plan Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 21 days of annually accrued PTO Generous Holiday Schedule 10 paid holidays Relocation Assistance Professional and Educational Support Opportunities TerraPower Career and Benefits information:  https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/