MCFR Mechanical Design Engineer

Bellevue, Washington, United States | MCFR | Full-time

Apply by: Jan. 5, 2026
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TITLE:              MCFR Mechanical Design Engineer

LOCATION:     Bellevue, WA          

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.

TerraPower’s Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program is commercializing the technology to operate a fast spectrum, chloride salt cooled molten salt reactor. The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) is slated to be the first liquid-fueled, fast spectrum reactor built and operated and will be constructed at Idaho National Laboratory.

MCFR Mechanical Design Engineer

TerraPower is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the MCFR program and MCRE project. This position reports to the MCFR Mechanical Design Discipline Management. The role centers on structural and mechanical design and drafting, beginning with MCRE and evolving toward the design of future advanced reactors. You’ll collaborate with system leads, group leads, and other discipline groups in a high-performing, multi-disciplinary environment to deliver mechanical design solutions for MCFR. This role is Hybrid with 4 days in onsite.

Join us in this mechanical design role to help advance a first-of-a-kind nuclear reactor towards commercial development.

Responsibilities:

    Coordinate input and requirements from the engineering and project team to produce mechanical/structural design solutions

    Create 3D CAD models optimized for future design changes, engineering drawings, and downstream uses

    Create engineering drawings, adhering to ASME 14.1 and Y14.5 standards

    Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis for design options

    Provide planning and schedule input for design activities

    Present mechanical design results for design reviews

    Assess technical merit of solutions provided by team members

Key Qualifications and Skills:

    B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. Experience level may be partially substituted for advanced degree depending on position relevance

o         Minimum 4 years of relevant experience for Level 9

o         Minimum 6 years of relevant experience for Level 10

    Proficiency with CAD using SolidWorks

    Fundamental understanding of mechanical analysis software (ANSYS preferred)

    Understanding of ASME Y14.1 drawing development/review and ASME Y14.5 principles and application

    Skilled in detail-oriented review of drawings, documents, and calculations to ensure consistency, precision, and technical rigor

    Understanding of fabrication operations including machining, welding, heat treatment, and inspections

    Experience with bolted joint design/calculation, welded joint design/calculation, and design for thermal gradients (highly desired)

    Familiar with AISC building codes and design of building-like structures (highly desired)

    Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

    Creative thinking with strong analytical/problem solving skills

    Ability to work multiple tasks concurrently with minimal direction

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

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 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 50 pounds.

    Repetitive work: Prolonged.

    Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work and ability to perform role in personal protective equipment.

    Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day.

    Travel: 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 Level 9: $102,804 - $154,206

Salary Range Level 10: $117,922 - $176,833

*Typically, our employee salaries are within .90 – 1.0 of the mid-point of the posted salary bands.  Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.  This range is specific to Washington State.

Benefits:

    Competitive Compensation

    Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments

    Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits for family or individual

o         Vision

o         Dental

o         Life

o         Life and Disability

o         Gender Affirmation Benefits

o         Parental Leave

    401k Plan

    Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

o         21 days of annually accrued PTO

    Generous Holiday Schedule

o         10 paid holidays

    Relocation Assistance

    Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

    Flexible Work Schedule

 TerraPower Career and Benefits information:  https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/