Regulatory Affairs Lead

Napakiak Ventures; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Job summary

Napakiak Environmental and Construction (NEC) seeks a Regulatory Affairs Lead to supervise regulatory strategy, safety basis documentation, and compliance for DOE/NRC projects. The role involves directing a team of direct reports and matrixed staff, ensuring high-quality regulatory deliverables.

The Lead will coordinate with regulatory agencies, drive audits and inspections, and provide strategic guidance on regulatory matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field with 12+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in regulatory compliance with a nuclear regulatory body and/or within the nuclear industry.
• Expertise in DOE and/or NRC regulations, licensing, and safety basis development; experience in regulatory engagement, audits, and compliance strategies.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Strategy: Develop and implement regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with DOE, NRC, and other applicable regulations.
• Stakeholder & Agency Engagement: Serve as the primary project regulatory liaison with DOE, NRC, state, and other agencies.
• Documentation & Risk Management: Develop, review, submit, and maintain safety basis documents and regulatory documentation.
• Leadership & Team Management: Build and lead a team of direct reports and matrixed staff, mentoring regulatory affairs personnel.
• Communication: Deliver clear and accurate communication to management, staff, and stakeholders.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Nuclear regulatory compliance

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nuclear/mechanical engineering or related field

Master’s degree

PhD

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.

Position Overview

The Regulatory Affairs Lead will lead interactions with regulatory agencies, coordinate safety and environmental compliance activities, and provide strategic guidance on regulatory issues. The Lead will supervise a team of direct reports and matrixed staff in safety basis documentation, regulatory strategy, requirements management, probabilistic risk assessment, environment management, hazards analysis, and other relevant fields. Additionally, this position interacts directly with regulatory bodies, develops the safety and compliance documentation, and enforces meticulous quality control measures.

Major Duties / Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Strategy: Develop and implement regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with DOE, NRC, and other applicable regulations. Ensure adherence to Facility Safety under DOE O 420.1C, Safety in Design under DOE-STD-1189-2016, reactor safety following the General Design Criteria under NRC’s 10 CFR 50 Appendix A, as well as other applicable codes and standards. Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory requirements and guide their integration into project processes. Coordinate regulatory reviews, approvals, and project milestones; lead hazards analysis and mitigation activities; coordinate safety strategy with the Nuclear Facility Safety Division; and lead environmental compliance activities.
• Stakeholder & Agency Engagement: Serve as the primary project regulatory liaison with DOE, NRC, state, and other agencies. Facilitate meetings, inspections, and audits; ensure accurate and timely reporting to oversight agencies.
• Documentation & Risk Management: Collaborate with nuclear safety staff, researchers, and support personnel to develop, review, submit, and maintain safety basis documents, including an amended safety basis for HFIR. Oversee preparation and submission of regulatory documentation, maintain accurate records per regulatory requirements, identify regulatory risks, develop mitigation strategies, and respond to regulatory inquiries.
• Leadership & Team Management: Build and lead a team of direct reports and matrixed staff, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement. Provide mentoring, training, and oversight to regulatory affairs personnel; promote a strong nuclear safety culture and address safety concerns proactively.
• Communication: Deliver clear and accurate communication to all levels of management, staff, and stakeholders. Develop concise presentation materials that aid timely delivery of project messaging; participate in reviews, conferences, and workshops.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field with 12+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in regulatory compliance with a nuclear regulatory body and/or within the nuclear industry.
• Expertise in DOE and/or NRC regulations, licensing, and safety basis development; experience in regulatory engagement, audits, and compliance strategies.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with DOE nuclear facility upgrades and safety analysis.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance regulations.
• Familiarity with hazard analysis and risk mitigation strategies.

Special Requirements

• Must be available for domestic and international travel.
• Position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD‑12 PIV badge.
• Position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy; includes Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing and random drug testing program.

Benefits

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.