Lead Nuclear Regulatory Counsel - Licensing & Compliance

AEP; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 189,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP seeks a lead attorney for nuclear‑related legal and regulatory matters overseeing the utility’s generation portfolio, including the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant.

This role guides licensing, permitting, and construction for new nuclear facilities and SMRs, with a focus on NRC compliance and regulatory strategy. Ideal candidates have deep nuclear regulatory knowledge, 8+ years as an attorney, and the ability to collaborate across internal teams to manage legal risk for a vertically integrated

Qualifications

• Must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in OH or MI, or eligibility for Ohio corporate counsel.
• Eight+ years as a practicing attorney, with nuclear‑related experience.
• Deep knowledge of Atomic Energy Act, NRC regs, and related laws.
• Experience with NRC licensing processes and utility regulatory frameworks.
• Experience at a nuclear energy utility or regulatory body preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations and NRC compliance.
• Advise on siting, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities and SMRs.
• Support NRC licensing activities, including renewals and amendments.
• Support litigation related to plant operations and employee matters.
• Provide guidance on nuclear export controls (Part 110) and DOE/DoC oversight.
• Draft and review contracts, regulatory filings, and compliance reports.
• Provide legal training on nuclear regulatory and compliance matters.

Skills

Nuclear regulatory law

Regulatory compliance

Litigation support

Contracting experience

Stakeholder communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Juris Doctorate

Job description

AEP seeks a lead attorney for nuclear‑related legal and regulatory matters overseeing the utility’s generation portfolio, including the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant.

This role guides licensing, permitting, and construction for new nuclear facilities and SMRs, with a focus on NRC compliance and regulatory strategy. Ideal candidates have deep nuclear regulatory knowledge, 8+ years as an attorney, and the ability to collaborate across internal teams to manage legal risk for a vertically integrated