David Bankston

About David Bankston

As a dedicated and results-driven engineering leader, I specialize in advancing cutting-edge technologies and fostering high-performing teams. With a deep foundation in pressure equipment, codes, and standards, coupled with hands-on experience in organizational leadership, I am committed to driving innovation and operational excellence.Currently serving as Engineering Director of a pioneering advanced nuclear reactor program, I oversee a multidisciplinary engineering organization consisting of 10 engineering discipline manager direct reports and approximately 97 engineer indirect reports. My mission is to align technical expertise, strategic vision, and team collaboration to deliver transformative solutions in the nuclear energy sector.Key strengths-Comprehensive knowledge of pressure equipment design, fabrication, and compliance-Proficiency in navigating and applying engineering codes and standards (ASME, AISC, etc.)-Proven ability to build and lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams in dynamic environments-Strategic planning, process optimization, and execution of complex projects under demanding constraints.Passionate about the role of advanced nuclear technology in shaping a sustainable energy future, I am always open to connecting with like-minded professionals who share a commitment to innovation and excellence.

Experience

1. Director of Engineering, Mcfr

   TerraPower

   Oct 2024 — Present · Bellevue, WA, US

   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.Engineering Staff Responsibilities:• Plan and coordinate the work of the engineering groups and Discipline Managers• Assist in all aspects of engineering talent management, training, qualification, mentorship and development• Develop and execute staffing strategies for engineering organization• Assist in the planning, monitoring, and updating of the engineering labor and external budgetEngineering Process and Procedure Responsibilities:• Assist in continuous improvement of the engineering organization, including processes, structure, roles and responsibilities• Ensure that work execution and technical adequacy are in accordance with requirements, project standards, procedures and industry standards• Monitor and provide oversight of verification activities• Actively lead change management efforts through teamwork and collaboration within engineering and with all interfacing organizations• Support and Improve the Systems Engineering approach to design activities • Assist the executive leadership team and program management with strategy development• Resolve priority conflicts in conjunction with the Project Managers when issues cannot be resolved at the Discipline Manager level• Assist the executive leadership team and program management with strategy developmentLeadership Responsibilities:• Interface with regulators, stakeholders, and customers on engineering design issues• Actively lead communication efforts with support teams, disciplines, projects, and the executive team

Education

• Washington State University

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  2004 — 2007

• Washington State University Graduate School

  MSME, Mechanical Engineering

  2008 — 2014

• Centralia College

  Associate of Science - AS, Engineering

Skills

• Solid Modeling
• Pressure Vessels
• Mathcad
• Ansys
• Asme Standards
• Mechanical Engineering
• Team Leadership
• Project Engineering
• Engineering
• Solidworks
• Computer-Aided Design (Cad)
• Piping
• Microsoft Project
• Managing Teams
• Machine Design
• Plant Design
• Engineering Design
• Volunteer Leadership
• Solid Edge
• Finite Element Analysis
• Design for Remote Handling
• Technical Writing