NEXT Lab Chief Engineer

ACU College of Business Administration; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene Christian University is seeking an experienced engineer to provide technical oversight, design review, and regulatory compliance for reactor systems. This role emphasizes mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adherence to safety standards.

Responsibilities include evaluating design documents, coordinating with engineering, regulatory bodies, and project teams, and supporting readiness reviews and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in reactor design, construction, or oversight; or similar experience in an adjacent field; advanced reactor technologies preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight and independent review of reactor system design, licensing, and construction, maintenance of the degradation management plan, and ASME certifications.
• Evaluate design documents, engineering calculations, and system specifications for compliance with project goals and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical feedback and recommendations to ensure constructability, maintainability, and operability of reactor systems.
• Review contractor submittals, test plans, and analysis results for consistency with safety and performance requirements.

Skills

Technical review

Risk assessment

Project management

Communication skills

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor\'s degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering

Master’s degree preferred for dual appointment

Job description

Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Basic Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight and Design Review
• Project Coordination and Interface Management
• Safety and Compliance Assurance

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Technical Oversight and Design Review

• Provide technical oversight and independent review of reactor system design, licensing, and construction, maintenance of the degradation management plan, and ASME certifications.
• Evaluate design documents, engineering calculations, and system specifications for compliance with project goals and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical feedback and recommendations to ensure constructability, maintainability, and operability of reactor systems.
• Review contractor submittals, test plans, and analysis results for consistency with safety and performance requirements.

Project Coordination and Interface Management

• Coordinate and communicate across engineering, regulatory, and project management teams to ensure technical objectives, safety requirements, and project milestones are achieved.
• Serve as a liaison between the owner, design contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Participate in regular project review meetings to track progress, identify issues, and support timely resolution.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of technical decisions, design changes, and risk assessments.

Safety and Compliance Assurance

• Monitor quality assurance and safety programs to ensure alignment with nuclear regulatory expectations and owner policies.
• Verify that all engineering work adheres to applicable codes, standards, and licensing requirements.
• Support readiness reviews, inspections, and audits related to safety and regulatory compliance.

Professional Development Requirements

• Strong background in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering with emphasis on high-temperature systems or reactor technologies.
• Proficiency in technical review, risk assessment, and project management within regulated environments.
• Proficiency in grant applications.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Qualifications

Professional

• Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering (Master’s preferred). To be eligible for a dual faculty appointment, a master’s or doctoral degree will be required.
• 10+ years of experience in reactor design, construction, or oversight; or similar experience level in an adjacent field; experience with advanced reactor technologies preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Personal

• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to safety and excellence.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and uphold ACU’s mission and values.

Physical Demands

• Able to lift 50 pounds.
• Able to stand 1 hour or more.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.