Senior Analytical Chemist

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.Senior Analytical ChemistTerraPower, LLC is committed to delivering transformative nuclear technologies that provide safe, cost-effective, and carbon-free energy solutions, supporting global decarbonization goals. The Natrium program is a cornerstone of this effort, and we are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Analytical Chemist to join our team.This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the analytical foundation of the Natrium advanced reactor program. As a member of the Natrium Central Chemistry team, you will be directly responsible for advancing the chemical understanding of Natrium systems and processes and for developing robust analytical and experimental capabilities that support the characterization and chemistry control of sodium, solar salt, fuel/material-related samples, cover gas, and other Natrium process streams.Reporting to the Natrium Central Chemistry Discipline Senior Manager, you will serve as both a technical leader and hands-on contributor, designing experiments, developing robust analytical methodologies, setting up and operating laboratory equipment, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, and providing critical data that underpins reactor safety, materials performance, chemistry control, and operational readiness. The position requires deep technical expertise, strong experimental judgment, and a strong collaborative spirit to interface effectively with colleagues across design, operations, materials, fuel, safety, testing, and safeguards teams.ResponsibilitiesLead development and implementation of robust analytical methods and procedures for Natrium sample characterization, including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, gamma spectroscopy where applicable, and other relevant techniquesLead and perform thermophysical and thermal characterization activities using techniques such as DSC and TGA, including experimental planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretationPerform and interpret thermodynamic calculations using FactSage, Thermochimica, or similar tools to support sodium, solar salt, cover gas, fuel/material, and impurity chemistry evaluationsDesign, set up, execute, and document laboratory experiments supporting Natrium chemistry, materials, and process-development needsDevelop experimental approaches to address technical questions involving sodium, salts, cover gas, corrosion products, impurities, materials, and other Natrium-relevant systemsDevelop, generate, and review the generation and review of technical work products such as certificates of analysis/conformance, research reports, procedures, and publicationsManage analytical scope related to measuring purity, and performing mass balance evaluations of Natrium-relevant materials and analysis of in-process samples for quality controlLead the development and implementation of robust chemical and analytical separation processes needed to produce high quality data from high-salt-matrix and other challenging Natrium samplesLead and support installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Natrium analytical instruments and equipmentTake ownership of laboratory equipment and experimental systems, including development of operating procedures, maintenance strategies, calibration requirements, and troubleshootingAnalyze experimental data, evaluate data quality and uncertainty, identify trends and anomalies, and translate results into actionable technical conclusions and recommendations for Natrium engineering teamsEnsure laboratory procedures are developed, maintained, and continuously improvedMaintain high standards of organization, housekeeping, and operational effectiveness in Natrium analytical and chemistry facilitiesEnsure strict adherence to site safety, chemical safety, and, where applicable, radiation protection and regulatory guidelines, working closely with health physicists, authorized users, and the RSO as requiredPromote a culture of safety in all experimental and operational activitiesDrive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities, safety practices, and team effectivenessPerform other general duties associated with position as member of the Natrium Central Chemistry team to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of TerraPower effortsKey Qualifications:Master's or Ph.D degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physical science, or a related technical field required; (Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's, or a Ph.D.)Experience with thermodynamic modeling using FactSage, Thermochimica, or similar software is desirableHands-on experience with analytical characterization techniques such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES, gamma spectroscopy, or related elemental/isotopic analytical methods. Expertise in multiple techniques is preferred but experience with every listed technique is not requiredHands-on experience with DSC, TGA, or other thermophysical/thermal characterization techniques is highly desirableProven track record in analytical method development using relevant analytical or materials-characterization techniquesDemonstrated experience designing, setting up, executing, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments and experimental systems including equipment installation, commissioning, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting is highly desirableExperience handling sodium metal or other air- or moisture-sensitive/reactive materials desiredExperience working in gloveboxes, inert-atmosphere systems, or controlled-environment experimental systems is desirableExperience with chemical and radiochemical separations (e.g., column separations, liquid-liquid extractions) is desirableExperience with quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, Python, chemometrics, or machine-learning approaches is desirableExperience with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, gas analysis, Raman spectroscopy, or other complementary analytical techniques is a plusExperience supporting materials testing, corrosion studies, fuel/material compatibility studies, or high-temperature chemistry experiments is a plusDemonstrated ability to independently plan and execute technical work while collaborating effectively with scientists and engineers from multiple disciplinesExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholdersProven ability to work collaboratively, build trust, and foster teamwork across multidisciplinary teamsHigh degree of professional integrity, openness, and respect in interactions with colleagues and external partnersThis 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: ProlongedSpecial Senses: Visual and audio focused workWork Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/dayTravel 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 detailsSalary Range: $124,115 – $161,188Any 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.Job Type: Full-timeBenefits: Competitive CompensationSalary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive paymentsComprehensive Medical and Wellness BenefitsMedicalVisionDentalLife and DisabilityGender Affirmation BenefitsParental Leave401k PlanGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO)21 days of annually accrued PTOGenerous Holiday Schedule10 paid holidaysRelocation AssistanceProfessional and Educational Support OpportunitiesTerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/