Mechanical Engineer - ASME

About the Opportunity

Zap Energy is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will be a part of an integrated project team to deliver a liquid metal cooled fission reactor in support of Zap’s integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate is an expert in ASME Codes & Standards, including the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Sections VIII and Section III. You will have the opportunity to work on the high-temperature reactor and liquid metal cooling teams. 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 mechanical engineering efforts within an NQA-1 program that include: 

• • Selection of codes and standards to which components must designed and fabricated. 

• • High-temperature design and analysis of reactor vessel and internals. 

• • Mechanical design of actuation systems, e.g. reactivity control systems. 

• • Define methods and execute analysis using FEA software, such as ANSYS. 

• 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: Perform engineering analysis in support of Reactor and Cooling system 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. 

• 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: Expert in mechanical design and analysis according to ASME Codes & Standards. Expert with ANSYS. Working experience with ASME BPVC Section III Division 5 is a huge plus. Knowledge of modern software engineering practices and programming languages, such as Python. 

• Managerial Experience: None 

• 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 preferred. 

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 compensation range: $140,000–$200,000 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. 

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.