Meet Giulia Russo our Nuclear Engineer Pump at Thorizon

Role at Thorizon

Since joining Thorizon in February 2024, Giulia has become a key player in the cartridge team, where she leads the design and coordination of the pump—an essential component within Thorizon's reactor system. Her role involves detailed collaboration with both internal teams and external suppliers to keep the project on track. Giulia ensures projects progress smoothly while cultivating a cohesive, high-performing team. "I'm in charge of ensuring everything moves forward smoothly," she says, "from design to communication across teams—it's all about making sure we're aligned and progressing."

In this interview, Giulia shares her journey to Thorizon, insights into her role, and the excitement of working in such an innovative environment.

Journey to Thorizon

What drew you to Thorizon as an engineer and what makes it stand out from other companies in the nuclear energy sector?

When considering her next step in the nuclear sector, Giulia explored multiple start-ups before choosing Thorizon. What stood out to her was Thorizon's unique focus on addressing one of the main challenges in molten salt technology—corrosion. Unlike other companies, Thorizon prioritized tackling this issue head-on, which immediately captured her interest. "I chose Thorizon because it was the only company directly addressing the primary challenge of molten salt technology," she explains. "I wanted to work with a team willing to confront this, and the chance to work alongside highly skilled professionals was a bonus."

Team Dynamics

Could you share more on the working culture? What are team dynamics at Thorizon like?

Working in a dynamic, collaborative environment is one of the key aspects Giulia values at Thorizon. As the team approaches a pivotal phase in reactor development, they're focused on selecting tools to create the first prototype and designing a test bench to measure progress. This highly interactive culture cultivates an atmosphere where "everyone on the team contributes by providing constructive feedback," as Giulia describes." This open culture encourages innovation and helps keep the team on track toward their shared goals.

Challenges and Breakthroughs

What Would It Mean to Be Part of a Breakthrough?

As part of a small but fast-growing team, Giulia finds both challenges and immense opportunities. The pace can be intense, with high workloads and tight deadlines, but she sees this as a catalyst for self-improvement and professional growth. Contributing to a potential breakthrough in sustainable energy goes beyond personal accomplishment—it represents a meaningful shift for society at large. She describes this journey as "an exciting moment, not only for us in the field but for the future of energy production."

Day-to-Day Work Routine

What does your daily work day look like?

Each day, Giulia relies on thoughtful planning and a steady routine to navigate the unpredictability of start-up life. "I start each morning with an espresso and a quick chat with my colleagues," she shares, noting how this routine grounds her before diving into the day's work. Every Friday, she maps out the week ahead, giving her clarity and focus even when start-up demands shift priorities. This disciplined approach keeps her organized and prepared to tackle any challenges with confidence.

Career Development at Thorizon

What would you say to someone considering joining Thorizon? What can they expect in terms of career development?

For those considering a career at Thorizon, Giulia paints a vivid picture of a young, vibrant work environment that allows individuals to chart their own path.

"Thorizon's young and dynamic environment lets you discover your own path while honing your skills. It's a place where you can truly grow in alignment with your strengths.''

Thorizon