TITLE:  Core Mechanical Methods Intern

LOCATION: Bellevue, WA, USA      

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. In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) in an effort to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Core Mechanical Methods Intern

The Natrium Core Mechanical team develops analysis methods and software for conducting mechanical analysis of the reactor core using finite element methods. The Core Mechanical Methods Intern will perform mechanical analysis of the Natrium reactor core to optimize core assembly lifetimes and improve core economics. Under the supervision of a mentor, the intern will use TerraPower’s in-house developed core mechanical analysis software to run finite element simulations of core assembly shuffling patterns and predict core assembly inelastic deformations over multiple cycles of operation. The analysis will be used to improve core assembly lifetime estimates and reduce assembly discharge rates.

Responsibilities

·     Conduct analysis of the Natrium reactor core to predict inelastic deformations of core assemblies and optimize shuffling patterns

·     Document analysis results and optimized core assembly lifetime estimates in a technical report

Key Qualifications and Skills

·     The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.

·     Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate or undergraduate Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering program (or equivalent).

·     Strong interest in finite element analysis, with previous related internship or coursework experience preferred. The ideal candidate will have experience with the Abaqus finite element software.

·     Strong coding skills (Python experience preferred)

·     Strong solid mechanics fundamentals (statics, mechanics of materials, beam theory)

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 and/or standing 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 hrs./day

·     Travel required: 0-5%

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

Hourly rate range*

Undergraduate: $22.65 - $29.65

Graduate: $40.43 - $43.89

PhD: $43.89 - $51.71

Job Type:  Intern

Benefits:

•         Competitive Compensation

•         Hourly pay rate

•         Weekly stipend for out of area Interns

•         Weekly commuter stipend for local area Interns

•         Paid Time Off (PTO)

•         Interns accrue 1 hour of PTO for every 30 hours worked

•         Holiday Schedule

•         Paid holidays commensurate with Internship period and TerraPower Holiday Schedule

•         Relocation Assistance for out of area Interns

•         **Intern pay rate will be commensurate with degree path and academic year completed at start of Internship.

Please visit www.terrapower.com to apply