Fuel Handling Operations Manager

 

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. 

Fuel Handling Operations Manager

The Fuel Handling Operations Manager reports directly to the Natrium Site Director and will lead the development of the Natrium Demonstration Project (NDP) Fuel Handling Operations organization in Bellevue, WA. In this role, you will oversee a team responsible for providing operational input into plant design, commissioning, procedure outline development, and owner/operator oversight for the NDP. Additionally, you will focus on long-term planning for the Fuel Handling Operations organization. This position requires exceptional leadership skills to develop top talent and coordinate with various departments, project partners, regulators, and external organizations contributing expertise in nuclear plant operations and maintenance (O&M).

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and manages operations input to fuel handling system design.
• Oversee the creation of outlines and strategic documents for O&M processes, programs, and procedures for a new nuclear power plant, ensuring alignment with company standards, NRC regulations, INPO accreditation criteria, and other relevant codes and requirements.
• Direct the planning, staffing strategies, and commissioning execution strategies for fuel handling systems.
• Identify and communicate issues that could impact TerraPower project goals, while developing and implementing mitigating strategies or solutions.
• Provide weekly updates to the Natrium Site Director on the progress of Fuel Handling Operations activities, including any potential risks or impediments.
• Represent the company by participating in industry initiatives, benchmarking efforts, assessments, and assistance programs.
• Collaborate with industry peers, third-party vendors, NEI, and other organizations to identify innovative methods and technologies to optimize plant operations.
• Manage a team responsible for operational design input, program and procedure development, commissioning strategies, and owner/operator oversight for fuel handling systems. Offer performance feedback and support team members’ professional growth.
• Develop and maintain processes to ensure operational information - such as INPO Significant Operating Experience Reports, NRC Circulars, Bulletins, and other updates - is integrated into plant procedures.
• Participate in NRC and INPO audits, prepare responses to audit findings, and implement necessary corrective actions.
• Ensure Fuel Handling Operations personnel are well-versed in fuel handling systems design, interfacing systems, and overall plant operations.
• Maintain accurate and auditable records and reports documenting the ongoing activities of the NDP Fuel Handling Operations organization.
• Manage budgeting, staffing, planning, and reporting to meet the TerraPower Operations Department’s objectives efficiently.
• Foster a positive company culture that promotes high performance and morale.
• Communicate and act in a manner that supports strong relationships with customers, partners, suppliers, colleagues, and management.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering
• 10+ years of leadership experience at a commercial nuclear power plant or equivalent industry experience
• Senior Reactor Operator License or Reactor Operator License preferred
• 15+ years of commercial nuclear power plant experience in operations and either maintenance, engineering, or testing organizations.
• 2+ years of experience in procedure writing, not necessarily full time
• Proven ability to lead projects and initiatives with competing objectives, balancing stakeholder priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated expertise in guiding diverse teams to resolve complex problems.
• Experience recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing talent.
• Strong track record of developing new processes, procedures, or programs to drive organizational excellence.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• High degree of trust, integrity, and openness, with a collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Adaptability to emergent changes, including plant design revisions, procedure updates, schedule adjustments, and other challenges associated with designing, constructing, and commissioning a new nuclear power plant.

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: $134,629 - $179,506

 

* We typically place offers in the lower to middle portion of the range to maintain internal equity and allow room for growth. Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual’s qualifications experience.  This range is specific to Wyoming State.

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/