Technical SME, USA

Aecon U.S.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Aecon invites you to join the New Nuclear Development team, leading early-stage estimating, technology assessments, constructability reviews, schedule development, and contract strategy for SMR and large commercial nuclear facilities in the United States.

You will report to the Technical Director and apply 15+ years of capital project leadership in regulated sectors, nuclear safety culture, and strong stakeholder management to advance opportunities and build trusted client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent combination of technical, construction, military nuclear, and/or skilled trade experience.
• 15+ years of experience leading and supporting major capital projects in highly regulated sectors such as power, energy, defense, and large industrial infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of U.S. commercial nuclear project development, construction execution strategies, and project delivery models.
• Ability to rapidly assess reactor technologies and key capital cost drivers, including execution schedules and procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of Nuclear Safety Culture and INPO principles, and regulatory requirements for nuclear facility development.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across controls, construction operations, engineering, estimating, supply chain, finance, and commercial professionals.
• Improve project outcomes through nuclear industry experience, lessons learned, and innovative construction strategies.
• Support evaluation and development of new nuclear opportunities, including SMR programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, developers, technology vendors, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners across organisations to achieve strategic objectives and advance project opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership during development activities, including constructability reviews, execution planning, risk assessments, and cost/schedule evaluations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and business acumen in all interactions.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, technical reports, and client communications with confidence and credibility.
• Travel throughout the United States and internationally, as required.

Skills

Project leadership

Relationship building

Technical leadership

Executive communications

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, You Can Count On

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon We

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, and partnerships with Veteran groups, to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in-class team.

What Is the Opportunity?

The New Nuclear Development team provides estimating support, technical expertise, early construction involvement, client relationship management, and project management support during the early development stages of new nuclear projects. These projects include both Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and large-scale commercial nuclear facilities.

This role supports a broad range of pre-construction and project development activities including estimating, technology assessments, constructability reviews, schedule development, contract strategy, logistics planning, site planning, risk assessments, and other services required during the development phase of new nuclear projects. Assignments may be performed through strategic partnerships, consortiums, or joint ventures with industry partners and technology providers.

Current opportunities are focused primarily across the United States, with additional involvement in projects throughout North America and Europe.

Aecon's construction expertise and leadership during the development phase are critical to the successful delivery of next-generation nuclear projects. The New Nuclear Development team helps advance projects from early concept development through Final Investment Decision (FID), licensing support, validation, and readiness planning. Following project approval, projects are typically transitioned to execution teams, with continued support from New Nuclear Development as required.

The successful candidate will report to the Technical Director, New Nuclear Development, and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities.

What You'll Do Here

• Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary teams consisting of project controls, construction operations, engineering, estimating, supply chain, finance, and commercial professionals.
• Improve project outcomes through the application of nuclear industry experience, lessons learned, innovative construction strategies, and productivity-enhancing practices.
• Support the evaluation and development of new nuclear opportunities, including SMR and advanced reactor programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, developers, technology vendors, engineering firms, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners across multiple organizations to achieve strategic objectives and successfully advance project opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership during project development activities, including constructability reviews, execution planning, risk assessments, and cost and schedule evaluations.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and business acumen in all interactions.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, technical reports, and client-facing communications with confidence and credibility.
• Travel throughout the United States and internationally, as required, to support business development, client engagement, project planning, and partner collaboration.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Construction, Nuclear, Electrical, or related discipline) or an equivalent combination of technical, construction, military nuclear, and/or skilled trade experience.
• 15+ years of experience leading and supporting major capital projects, preferably within the commercial nuclear industry or other highly regulated sectors such as power generation, energy, defense, oil and gas, or large industrial infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of U.S. commercial nuclear project development, construction execution strategies, and project delivery models.
• Ability to rapidly assess reactor technologies and understand key capital cost drivers, including execution schedules, labor productivity, specialized equipment, procurement strategies, and construction methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Nuclear Safety Culture, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) principles, and regulatory requirements associated with nuclear facility development and construction.
• Experience working with utilities, EPC contractors, reactor vendors, or owners involved in nuclear generation projects.
• Proven project management, contract management, risk management, and stakeholder management experience.
• Strong understanding of Nuclear Quality Assurance programs (10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA-1, or equivalent) and their application within the nuclear industry.
• Technical knowledge of nuclear plant systems, reactor technologies, construction methods, commissioning requirements, and major project execution.
• Relevant nuclear industry experience with a thorough understanding of owner, utility, developer, and contractor expectations and project delivery approaches.
• Existing network and relationships within the U.S. nuclear industry considered a strong asset.

Reason for Vacancy: Growth within the North American nuclear sector has created new opportunities to support Aecon’s expanding portfolio of advanced reactor, SMR, and commercial nuclear development projects across the United States.

Aecon fosters belonging within and across our organization. We consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, through the implementation of the requirements of the EEOC and its applicable regulations. Appropriate accommodation under the EEOC will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.

Aecon is committed to ensuring all job postings are compliant with all applicable laws. Any candidate who has a concern regarding the contents of this or any other job posting can email [e-mail].