Manufacturing Team Lead - Fission

About Zap Energy

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

About the Opportunity

Zap Energy is seeking a Manufacturing Team Lead to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will establish and mature a high-quality manufacturing capability and team to deliver equipment (vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, etc.) for a liquid metal cooled fission reactor in support of Zap’s integrated nuclear mission. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in all operational aspects of a fabrication shop, including on-the-floor activities, machine maintenance, managing personnel, NDE/inspections, and quality assurance. This role will establish in-house capabilities and documentation necessary to secure ASME BPVC certifications, including but not limited to U Stamp and N Stamp. As Zap manufacturing matures, mass production of components will be the target, and this role will support definition of ZMR Factory requirements and buildout. This role requires identifying and solving ill-defined first-of-a-kind problems. Being a team player is foundational to success in this role. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Leadership: Plan, organize, build out, and lead manufacturing, eventually within a Quality Assurance program, of: 
• • Section VIII, Division 1 Vessels 

• • Section III, Division 5 Vessels 

• • ASME B31.3 Piping 

• • Liquid Metal Pumps 

• • Liquid Metal Heat Exchangers 

• • Other bespoke, high-temperature components 

With expert understanding of: 

• • Multiple manufacturing disciplines, including welding, manual machining, CNC machining (5 axis preferred), and additive manufacturing. 

• • CAD software (preferably SolidWorks). 

• • Budget control and keeping records of spending. 

• Line Manager: Build out the Manufacturing team, including expertise in fabrication per ASME codes and standards. Act as line manager for your team. Develop and monitor metrics to assess and improve team performance. Own your team’s technical performance, delivery of scope, and their professional development. 

• Individual Contribution: Develop overall strategy and roadmap for manufacturing capabilities to support testing, production, and testing of ZMR components. Define facility requirements necessary to support manufacturing needs. Write high quality documentation with rigor commensurate with the stage of the project and required quality level. Plan and assign work packages to meet schedule milestones. Review and approve fabrication documentation. Be the primary point of contact for Zap’s manufacturing capabilities. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with design, testing, and integration teams to understand manufacturing needs and to provide feedback to ensure manufacturability. Participate in manufacturing reviews. Actively identify areas for engineering and process improvement, including implementation of solutions. 

• Supplier Collaboration: Specify machines and work with Procurement to purchase. Act as a technical representative for supplier collaborations.  

• Quality Assurance: Perform work within a graded quality assurance program. Identify and implement right-sized solutions to increase efficiency in execution, especially for cross-organizational functions related to quality assurance. 

Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited program is required.  

• Technical Experience: At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing and fabrication of hardware/components subject to industrial codes and standards. 

• Technical Skills: Expertise in manufacturing processes and fabrication methods. Expertise in ASME Codes & Standards. Refine machining tool paths for efficiency. Write clear instructions and/or processes for technicians to execute. Familiarity with mass manufacturing processes.  

• Managerial Experience: At least 2 years of experience managing a team of three or more direct reports. 

• Communication: Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to clearly present complex information to both internal and external stakeholders, including regulators. 

• Licenses/Certifications: Authorized Inspector is a bonus. 

Personal Attributes and Skills 

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and ethical standards in engineering, including the ability to infuse this commitment throughout the organization. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. 

• Self-starter and can-do attitude. 

• Familiarity and competence with basic program management processes and tools. 

• Outside the box thinking, grounded in practical engineering solutions. 

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written. 

• The ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment. 

• Adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning. 

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $140,000-210,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.