Principal Nuclear Licensing Engineer

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. 

Principal Nuclear Licensing Engineer

Terrapower is seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Nuclear Licensing Engineer to join the Regulatory Affairs and Licensing team. Reporting to the Sr. VP of Regulatory Affairs, this leader will provide advanced licensing expertise, influence regulatory strategy, mentor licensing staff, and drive high‑impact licensing activities for the Natrium advanced reactor project. The role includes leading development of licensing documents, directing regulatory interactions, and ensuring that licensing approaches are fully aligned with TerraPower’s long‑term regulatory strategy.

This position requires deep proficiency in U.S. NRC regulations and guidance, extensive experience preparing and reviewing licensing applications, and a demonstrated ability to lead complex regulatory engagements. The Principal Nuclear Licensing Engineer will collaborate closely with engineering, project management, partners, and contractors to ensure successful, timely, and compliant licensing outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, authorship, and technical review of complex licensing documents, including major sections of an Operating License Application (e.g., Safety Analysis Report, Environmental Report).
• Provide strategic direction for regulatory engagement plans, technical justifications, and licensing pathways to support project goals.
• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams to prepare high‑quality responses to NRC audit questions and requests for additional information.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level licensing engineers; provide guidance on regulatory interpretation, drafting approaches, and NRC engagement.
• Serve as a senior interface with the Licensing Team to scope, prioritize, and execute licensing activities.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure regulatory compliance in design development, modifications, and configuration control.
• Oversee preparation, review, and control of licensing documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements and stringent QA standards.
• Lead technical and strategic interactions with partners, contractors, and internal engineering disciplines.
• Review and provide final approval recommendations on correspondence to and from regulatory agencies.
• Contribute significantly to the development of TerraPower’s licensing strategy, ensuring alignment with project timelines, risk profiles, and regulatory guidance.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably nuclear or civil engineering) from an accredited university, or equivalent experience. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and uphold strict quality assurance standards.
• 15–20+ years of applicable experience in nuclear licensing or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience analyzing and interpreting U.S. NRC 10 CFR regulations and associated guidance.
• 15–20+ years of experience leading or significantly contributing to NRC construction permit and operating license applications.
• Deep understanding of nuclear reactor design, operation, and safety principles.
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring and guiding technical staff.
• Ability to manage complex deadlines and work independently at a senior level.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Adobe Professional.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to effectively represent TerraPower in regulatory interactions.
• High degree of integrity, trust, collaboration, and commitment to fostering strong team relationships.

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: $148,722 - $193,146

* 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 the Seattle, WA area.

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/