Nuclear Licensing & Safety Engineer – Nuclear Centrifuge Program

Napakiak Ventures LLC; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Napakiak Environmental and Construction (NEC) in Oak Ridge, TN, seeks a Nuclear Licensing & Safety Engineer to lead licensing activities as the facility transitions from design to testing and production.

This role emphasizes government regulatory engagement, safety basis development under 10 CFR 830, and coordination with engineering, operations, and regulators to ensure readiness for authorization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Nuclear Engineering preferred; other related degrees considered with relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain government security clearance.
• Strong technical writing and regulator-facing communication skills.
• Experience will be scoped by level: Early-Career / Associate or Mid-Level.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support licensing and authorization activities for nuclear operations across design, testing, startup, and production phases.
• Serve as interface for DOE nuclear authorization and align with regulatory frameworks as the facility scales.
• Develop, maintain, and defend nuclear safety basis documentation under 10 CFR 830 and DOE directives.
• Support preparation of authorization submittals, regulatory responses, and technical justifications for federal review.
• Perform hazard evaluations and accident analyses to support licensing decisions and authorization.
• Lead or support USQ determinations and change evaluations as designs evolve.
• Define regulatory paths for major modifications to nuclear facilities or operations.
• Support transition from design to operational authorization through testing and production.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, and future safety organizations.
• Brief regulators and senior stakeholders on licensing posture and regulatory readiness.

Skills

Technical writing

Regulatory liaison

Nuclear licensing

DOE regulations

Education

Bachelor's in Nuclear Engineering

Other engineering/physical science degree with relevant experience

Job description

Company Overview

Napakiak Environmental and Construction (NEC) is a leading provider of information technology, technology development, and environmental and construction services, specializing in Federal and Commercial projects. Our company is committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet stringent regulatory standards and client requirements.

About the Role

We are seeking a Nuclear Licensing & Safety Engineer to support a long-term, first-of-a-kind nuclear centrifuge manufacturing and enrichment program at a critical transition point as the facility moves from design into testing, startup, and sustained production. This role is part of an innovative private company funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, leading a national effort to reestablish domestic uranium enrichment capabilities long furnished by foreign countries—directly strengthening U.S. energy security and national defense. This is a full-time, long-term position based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with a strong emphasis on licensing, authorization, and regulatory engagement as the program matures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support licensing and authorization activities for nuclear operations across design, testing, startup, and production phases
• Serve as a key interface for DOE nuclear authorization, while supporting alignment with commercial nuclear regulatory frameworks and standards as the facility scales
• Develop, maintain, and defend nuclear safety basis documentation in accordance with 10 CFR 830 and applicable DOE directives
• Support preparation of authorization submittals, regulatory responses, and technical justifications for federal review
• Perform and oversee hazard evaluations and accident analyses to support licensing decisions and operational authorization
• Lead or support Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) Determinations and change evaluations as designs and operating modes evolve
• Develop major modification determinations and define regulatory paths for substantial changes to nuclear facilities or operations
• Support the transition from design intent to operational authorization, ensuring licensing assumptions remain valid through testing and production
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, and future criticality safety organizations
• Brief federal regulators and senior stakeholders on licensing posture, safety basis scope, and regulatory readiness

Qualifications & Experience Levels

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering strongly preferred; other engineering or physical science degrees considered with relevant experience

U.S. citizenship required

Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance, as required

Strong technical writing and regulator-facing communication skills

Experience will be scoped based on candidate level:

Early-Career / Associate (1-5 years)

• Experience supporting nuclear licensing, safety basis, or authorization documentation
• Familiarity with DOE nuclear safety requirements or commercial nuclear regulations
• Experience supporting regulatory reviews or design change evaluations

Mid-Level (5-10 years)

• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining safety basis or licensing documentation
• Hands-on experience with USQ determinations, authorization packages, or regulatory interfaces
• Experience supporting nuclear facility design, startup, or operational readiness

About the Program

This program represents a strategic national investment in restoring U.S.-based uranium enrichment and centrifuge manufacturing. By replacing foreign-supplied capabilities with domestically designed and manufactured technology, the program strengthens America’s security, energy independence, and industrial resilience.

Napakiak Environmental and Construction (NEC) is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

All full-time employees are considered benefit eligible for company benefit programs and 401-K upon date of hire.