Lead Engineer, Nuclear Fuel Systems

Accelera; Shoreview (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking a Lead Engineer for Nuclear Fuel Systems in Minnesota. The role leads a large, multidisciplinary engineering organization, focusing on scaling teams, driving digital design workflows, and maintaining top-tier safety and quality standards in fuel movement technologies.

You will oversee resource planning, tool upgrades, and cross-functional collaboration with global hubs and manufacturing to meet milestones while advancing process improvements and policy changes across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with an I&C focus.
• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience, including leadership.
• Experience leading organizational change and cross-department collaboration.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools and PLM/PDM data management systems.
• Strong quality assurance and regulatory compliance in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor a large, multidisciplinary engineering organization.
• Oversee strategic resource planning, budgeting and talent acquisition.
• Modernize engineering processes with model-based design and digital workflows.
• Ensure adherence to nuclear QA standards and safety protocols.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration among global hubs and manufacturing teams.
• Communicate with senior stakeholders to meet contractual obligations and specs.
• Drive organizational change to improve design quality and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Resource planning

Model-based design

Quality assurance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (I&C preferred)

Tools

CAD/CAE software

SolidWorks

Inventor

ANSYS

PLM/PDM systems

Job description

As a Lead Engineer for Nuclear Fuel Systems, you will spearhead the evolution of complex mechanical and I&C systems essential for safe energy production. This leadership position focuses on scaling high-performing technical teams, driving digital transformation in design workflows, and ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence in fuel movement technology.

About the Role

As a Lead Engineer for Nuclear Fuel Systems, you will spearhead the evolution of complex mechanical and I&C systems essential for safe energy production. This leadership position focuses on scaling high-performing technical teams, driving digital transformation in design workflows, and ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence in fuel movement technology.

Responsibilities

• Direct a large, multidisciplinary engineering organization, providing mentorship to supervisors and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.
• Execute strategic resource planning, including budget oversight and talent acquisition, to meet aggressive project milestones.
• Drive the modernization of engineering processes by implementing model-based design, advanced simulation tools, and digital workflows to reduce cycle times.
• Ensure all technical outputs and design projects strictly adhere to rigorous nuclear quality assurance standards and safety protocols.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between global engineering hubs and internal manufacturing teams to optimize supply chain and design integration.
• Manage project delivery through clear communication with senior stakeholders, ensuring contractual obligations and technical specifications are met.
• Champion organizational change initiatives that improve design quality and technical efficiency across the department.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with a strong preference for Instrumentation & Control (I&C) focus.
• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience, including significant time in a formal leadership or management capacity.
• Demonstrated success in leading organizational change and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE software suites (such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or ANSYS) and PLM/PDM data management systems.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance programs and technical compliance within highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Preferred Skills

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Experience with large-scale project management and contract administration.
• Background in nuclear energy or heavy industrial material handling systems.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive policy improvements across diverse business units.