Atam Rao

Dr. Atam S. Rao

Technical and Qualifications Summary

31 years distinguished career at GE in the USA – numerous awards
Organized several very large international projects and activities
Worked on advanced plant design and development
1 year at International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
Responsible for nuclear power technology development

Education

PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA – 1976
MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA – 1971
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India – 1970

Employment History

General Electric Company, San Jose, California (1974 – 2005)
30 years of experience with General Electric Company (GE) in analysis, design and development of operating and advanced Boiling Water Nuclear Reactors (BWR). Held engineering and supervisory positions related to these activities. Led multi-disciplinary, multi-party and international teams involved in the design, development, regulatory approval and marketing of advanced reactor designs over the last 20 years

Last position – Manager, New Reactor Development – responsible for the technical and commercial development and regulatory approval of GE’s advanced and simplified new reactor designs - the ESBWR and ABWR product lines
16 years as the Project Manager of an international team (over 50 engineers) involved in the development of a simpler, safer and economically viable passive BWR nuclear plant design – the ESBWR. Involved in the identification of testing and development needs and finding the resources and partners. Involved in the identification of plant design innovations to improve overall plant safety and economics. Responsible for the overall leadership of the program and for developing an integrated practical development program with support form utilities, researchers and designers. Led the regulatory approval process. Had to raise funds, develop international support and gain acceptance of a revolutionary design from a skeptical company and industry.
First 12 years involved several different positions, including working with utilities to develop the requirements for future nuclear plants. Lead a team of GE engineers in detailed analyses and interacted with industry regulators in several countries.