Engineering Program Lead -Transportable Microreactor Operations and Construction

Idaho Falls

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

INL is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Engineering Program Lead for a next-generation, factory-fabricated transportable microreactor system. This highly visible role is responsible for leading the full project lifecycle—from design, construction, and system integration through commissioning, operational readiness, testing, and deployment. The microreactor platform is designed for rapid transport and resilient power generation in austere and mission-critical environments. The Engineering Program Lead will lead a multidisciplinary organization that includes all technical disciplines needed to design, construct, fuel, start up, and operate a transportable microreactor. A critical element of this role is coordinating INL interface with the reactor design/build subcontractor, ensuring alignment of design intent, fabrication quality, safety basis, configuration control, delivery milestones, testing requirements, and integration with INL facilities and operations. The position requires close engagement with Department of War stakeholders (including Project Pele partners), DOE senior leadership, national laboratory executives, industry collaborators, and visiting dignitaries. The successful candidate will provide technical and operational leadership, ensure regulatory and safety excellence, manage cost and schedule performance, and represent the program in high-level briefings and demonstrations. Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: (Knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for this position.)Lead planning, execution, and oversight of microreactor construction, assembly, transport, installation, commissioning, and operational startup at INL facilities. Serve as the primary INL point of contact for the reactor design/build subcontractor, providing technical direction, programmatic oversight, integration coordination, and performance monitoring across design, fabrication, factory acceptance testing, delivery, and on-site installation. Ensure effective integration between subcontractor-delivered systems and INL site infrastructure, safety basis documentation, configuration management systems, and operational readiness requirements. Direct and integrate cross-functional technical teams across nuclear, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering disciplines, as well as operations and maintenance organizations. Ensure safe, compliant, and mission-ready operations aligned with DOE Orders, INL standards, and NRC requirements (as applicable). Oversee development and implementation of:Operational procedures. Configuration management frameworks. Maintenance strategies. Operator training and qualification programs. Interface routinely with INL senior leadership, DOE program offices, military sponsors, regulators, subcontractor leadership, and external stakeholders to communicate progress, resolve technical issues, and align strategic objectives. Deliver technical briefings, executive presentations, demonstrations, and project reviews to senior government officials, sponsors, regulatory representatives, and oversight bodies. Manage risk, cost, schedule, and resource allocation; ensure subcontractor performance meets contractual and technical requirements. Contribute to long-term program strategy and microreactor deployment planning. Support technology maturation, data collection, and testing campaigns to advance national microreactor deployment capabilities Education, Credentials, and Work Experience: Required. Level 4: Master’s in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 6 years of relevant experience or a PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 4 years of relevant experience. Level 5: Master’s in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 8 years of relevant experience or a PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 6 years of relevant experience. Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required). Progressive experience in:Nuclear reactor operations. Reactor construction or commissioning. Advanced reactor development. Large-scale technical project management. Experience managing major subcontractors or industrial partners on complex, safety-critical technical programs. Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams in highly regulated environments. Strong knowledge of nuclear safety principles, configuration management, maintenance strategy, and operational readiness. Proven ability to brief senior executives, military leadership, regulators, and technical audiences with clarity and authority. Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with cost and schedule accountability. The ideal candidate will possess: 10 years of progressive experience in:Nuclear reactor operations. Reactor construction or commissioning. Advanced reactor development. Large-scale technical project management. Experience with transportable or mobile nuclear systems. Direct experience with microreactors (e.g., heat pipe, gas-cooled, or other advanced concepts). Familiarity with TRISO fuel systems and advanced reactor fuel qualification. Experience supporting DOE or DOW nuclear programs (e.g., Project Pele). Working knowledge of INL facilities, DOE Orders, and nuclear regulatory processes. Background in military, defense, or national security nuclear applications.

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