Manager, Materials Testing & Characterization

TerraPower·Everett, Washington, United States·Posted today

Nuclear industryUS only

About this role

Lead materials testing and characterization programs for TerraPower's Natrium advanced nuclear reactor. Manage a team of engineers developing and executing materials test programs to support reactor design, licensing, and material selection decisions. This role requires direct lab presence, oversight of third-party testing suppliers, regulatory interface, and coordination with plant materials and core materials qualification groups.

Responsibilities

—Directly manage a diverse team of individual contributors supporting materials testing and characterization work
—Develop, deploy, and execute materials testing programs for the Natrium advanced reactor
—Maintain in-laboratory presence to provide direct feedback and support to team members
—Oversee and manage third-party suppliers conducting materials testing to ensure quality, compliance, and timely delivery
—Plan, monitor, and manage task progress, including defining scope, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring complete work execution
—Develop and maintain project schedule and budget in coordination with management
—Perform technical reviews and approvals of team deliverables to maintain engineering integrity
—Ensure compliance with procedures, standards, and regulatory criteria
—Communicate emerging technical issues and work to resolve them efficiently
—Demonstrate visible, continuous leadership in safety and quality
—Interface with regulators, stakeholders, and customers on materials engineering design and testing issues
—Coordinate with Plant Materials and Core Materials Qualification groups to develop material technologies
—Develop and maintain engineering staffing and resource plans
—Support recruitment, onboarding, and integration of new engineering personnel
—Mentor and develop direct reports through training and challenging assignments

Qualifications

—Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline with minimum 10 years of related experience; OR Master's degree with minimum 6 years of related experience; OR PhD with minimum 3 years of related experience
—Proven ability to lead and collaborate with a diverse team
—Advanced knowledge and experience in nuclear quality programs and configuration management principles, practices, and tools
—Ability to manage numerous competing priorities concurrently and solve multi-disciplinary problems with minimal direction
—Proven track record in planning, budgeting, and execution of testing or characterization activities
—Experience with collaboration and planning tools such as Atlassian Confluence/JIRA or Primavera P6
—Effective verbal and written communication skills
—Knowledge of metallic materials testing and characterization

Desired

—Experience supervising personnel performing materials testing or characterization work for nuclear power applications
—Experience with ASME NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B control programs, or other NRC and DOE regulatory frameworks
—Proven ability to direct small teams with minimal oversight
—Nuclear industry knowledge and experience