Senior Manager, Core Materials

About the role

TerraPower is seeking a Senior Manager, Core Materials to lead and manage the Core Materials team in support of advanced nuclear reactor research, development, and medical isotope production. The position reports to the Director, Fuel Engineering and Technology and is responsible for building a high‑performing team of managers and engineers, overseeing development, qualification, and testing of core materials for Natrium projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Core Materials team by providing clear direction, priorities, and expectations.
• Define the strategic and technical direction for the Core Materials team in alignment with Natrium programmatic objectives.
• Provide overall management and oversight of all Core Materials work scope, ensuring effective planning, execution, and integration with adjacent disciplines.
• Establish and maintain the Core Materials schedule and budget, ensuring adherence in collaboration with the Project Management team.
• Coordinate with executives, directors, senior managers, external partners, and regulatory bodies to advance core materials and fuel technologies.
• Establish and maintain operational direction that enables high‑quality execution of work required to achieve Natrium's strategic goals.
• Implement and execute strategic plans for the Core Materials organization, translating high‑level objectives into actionable work.
• Build and develop the Core Materials management team to ensure robust leadership, effective delegation, sustainable performance, and strong execution.
• Responsible for Core Materials team staffing, including identifying needs, leading recruiting and hiring efforts, and recommending promotions.
• Demonstrate continuous leadership in safety and quality, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and promoting a strong safety and quality culture.
• Focus on maintaining an inclusive and welcoming work environment that fosters innovation.
• Support employee professional development and career growth through coaching, feedback, and development planning.
• Define engineer training and qualification needs and ensure qualified personnel perform assigned activities.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering discipline (materials science/engineering preferred) with a minimum of 12 years of related experience.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or people‑leadership experience.
• Experience with nuclear materials (fuel cladding and core structural materials) in high‑temperature and sodium environments.
• Understanding of materials characterization and processing technology.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear or similar industrial quality programs, design control, and configuration management principles, practices, and tools.
• Experience in stringent quality systems (e.g., ISO‑9001, AS9100); experience with ASME NQA‑1 and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B is highly desired.
• Proven success managing scientific staff and executing R&D projects in a corporate setting.
• Ability to manage complex technical programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Track record in planning, budgeting, and executing testing or modeling activities.
• High degree of trust and integrity, open communication, dedication to organizational success, and a desire to foster teamwork.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must meet qualification requirements in accordance with ANSI/ANS 3.1 and relevant nuclear industry experience.

Job Functions

• Sitting for extended periods.
• Bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands).
• Ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged repetitive work.
• Visual and audio‑focused work.
• Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard or sitting work environment of > 8 hours/day.
• Travel required 0‑10 %.

Salary Range

$184,367 – $245,823 (Washington State; based on market data and candidate qualifications).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation salary, eligible for discretionary short‑term incentive payments.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, dental, and wellness benefits.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Gender affirmation benefits.
• Parental leave.
• 401(k) plan.
• Generous paid time off (21 days annually accrued PTO).
• Generous holiday schedule (10 paid holidays).
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional and educational support opportunities.