Senior Counsel or Assistant General Counsel (Nuclear)

American Electric Power; Bridgman (MI); On-site; USD 189,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks a lead attorney for nuclear-related legal and regulatory issues across its generation portfolio. The role supports safe, reliable operation of the Donald C.

Cook Nuclear Plant and provides guidance for licensing, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities, including SMRs. The position requires deep expertise in nuclear regulatory law and a strong understanding of utility priorities, with responsibilities spanning NRC licensing, export controls,

Qualifications

• Eight plus years of experience as a practicing attorney in private practice or corporate legal department.
• At least five years of nuclear-related legal experience with a law firm, corporate legal department, or regulatory body (NRC/DOE).
• Active license to practice law in Ohio or Michigan; Ohio corporate counsel eligibility acceptable.
• Deep knowledge of the Atomic Energy Act and NRC regulations; familiarity with utility regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with contracting, licensing, and regulatory filings in nuclear energy matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations, ensuring NRC compliance.
• Advise on siting, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities and SMRs.
• Provide legal support for NRC licensing activities, including renewals and amendments; support related litigation.
• Provide guidance on nuclear export controls under Part 110, Part 810, and the Department of Commerce.
• Support contracting for the Cook Plant, including service contracts, staff augmentation, and procurement.
• Monitor changes in nuclear regulatory law and advise internal stakeholders on compliance strategies.
• Support interactions with NRC, DOE, EPA, and state public utility commissions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify and mitigate legal risks across operations.
• Draft/review contracts, regulatory filings, internal policies, and compliance reports.
• Provide legal training on regulatory and compliance matters to stakeholders.

Skills

Nuclear regulatory law

Regulatory affairs

Contract drafting

Litigation support

Stakeholder communication

Education

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-12-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The position will serve as the lead attorney for all nuclear-related legal and regulatory issues within the utility’s generation portfolio. This role supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of AEP’s existing Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant and provides legal guidance for the licensing, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The position requires deep expertise in nuclear regulatory law and a strong understanding of the operational and strategic priorities of a vertically integrated electric utility.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as the primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations, ensuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations and other applicable federal and state laws.




• Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to the siting, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities and SMRs.




• Provide legal support for NRC licensing activities, including license renewals and amendments. Support litigation matters involving plant operations, including spent fuel claims and employee-related matters. Support employee concerns program.




• Provide legal consultation and guidance on nuclear export control matters under the jurisdiction of the NRC (Part 110), the National Nuclear Security Administration (Part 810), and the Department of Commerce.




• Support contracting matters for the Cook Plant, including service contracts, staff augmentation, warranty claims, contract disputes, and nuclear fuel procurement.




• Monitor and interpret changes in nuclear regulatory law and policy, advising internal stakeholders on implications and compliance strategies.




• Support the utility’s interactions with the NRC, Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state public utility commissions.




• Collaborate with internal departments including nuclear operations, engineering, environmental, and regulatory affairs to ensure legal risks are identified and mitigated.




• Draft and review legal documents including contracts, services agreements, nuclear fuel agreements, regulatory filings, internal policies, proposed legislation, and compliance reports.




• Provide legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders on nuclear regulatory and compliance matters.

What We’re Looking For:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Experience:

• Eight plus years of experience as a practicing attorney in private practice or in a corporate legal department.


• At least five years of nuclear-related legal experience preferably with a law firm, corporate legal department, or on the staff of a regulatory body, such as the NRC or DOE.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Active license to practice law in state in which position is located (Ohio or Michigan). For Ohio, eligibility to practice as Ohio corporate counsel is also acceptable.

Other Must Haves:

Knowledge & Skill Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of the Atomic Energy Act, NRC regulations, and other federal and state laws governing nuclear energy.


• Experience with NRC licensing processes and familiarity with utility regulatory frameworks, including rate recovery and cost prudency considerations.


• Experience working at or advising an electric utility with nuclear generation assets, including on contracting and related claims, fuel procurement and spent fuel claims, litigation, licensing and license renewal, operations, export controls, and security.


• Experience with (a) preparing briefs, motions, case evaluation summaries and other documents as required by the nature of a case, (b) helping prepare witnesses for testimony, (c) conducting hearings in federal and/or administrative courts, and (d) preparing filings before federal and/or state government bodies related to nuclear matters.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent advocacy, negotiation and written communication skills.


• Ability to promote teamwork and build relationships within the legal and business unit teams to get work accomplished


• Ability to relate to many different constituencies in a positive, proactive manner that will engender confidence from company management, employees, public utilities commissions and other industry groups.


• Problem solver coupled with good conflict resolution skills.


• Ability for initiative and working independently of direct supervision

Where You’ll Work:

• AEP’s Headquarters in Columbus, OH or Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant near Bridgman, MI.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

#LI-ONSITE

#AEPCareers

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-012

Compensation Range:

$188,524.00 - $245,080.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.