Principal Engineer, Plant Thermal Hydraulics Validation

Principal Engineer, Plant Thermal Hydraulics Validation

Bellevue, WA, USA

Terra Power is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington.

• Support verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification activities for plant scale thermal-hydraulic analysis tools.
• Perform system-level steady-state and transient thermal-hydraulic simulations to evaluate model behavior, accuracy, and limitations.
• Develop and execute code assessment plans, including validation matrices, test selection, and quantitative comparison methodologies.
• Interpret and apply experimental data from separate effects and integral test facilities to support model validation and closure of technical gaps.
• Define validation needs, develop test requirements, and collaborate closely with test engineering teams to ensure alignment between model gaps and experimental programs.
• Document V&V methodologies, model assumptions, validation results, and uncertainty analyses for internal design processes and regulatory submittals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support plant design, safety analysis, and licensing workflows.
• Apply and improve Terra Powers SQA and NQA1 modeling quality practices and ensure traceability and configuration control of analysis inputs, models, and results.
• Mentor junior engineers in system modeling, validation methodologies, and best practices in code assessment.

• Degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical Engineering, or similar field, with a minimum 15+ years for Level 12; advanced-degree equivalencies apply. Experience should include system-level thermal hydraulic analysis and code assessment for nuclear or complex energy systems.
• Demonstrated experience in code assessment, including model-to-test comparison, validation metric development, and uncertainty quantification.
• Handson experience working with experimental thermal hydraulic data, including data analysis, uncertainty evaluation, and comparison against system level predictions.
• Proficiency with system analysis tools (e.g., RELAP
  53D, TRACE, SAS, or equivalent) applied to plantscale transient and steady-state evaluations.
• Strong foundation in thermal-fluid and reactor system behavior considerations relevant to advanced reactor designs.
• Experience developing validation strategies, defining data needs, and coordinating with experimental programs.
• Experience with SQA and NQA1 quality assurance practices for modeling workflows is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical thinking, clear technical communication, and the ability to manage multiple validation tasks in parallel.

• 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%

Salary Range Level 12: $168,316 - $252,475

Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual's qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.

Full-time

• Competitive Compensation
• Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Life and Disability
  • Gender Affiration 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

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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI