VP Engineering US

Blykalla; Texas; On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Deel benefits

Job summary

Blykalla is seeking a VP Engineering US to build and lead the US engineering team and execute the reference design in the US context. Based in Austin, TX, you will report to the VP Engineering and work with INL, DOE, and partners to advance Fjäll toward first criticality.

This is a first-of-a-kind program; you will shape the organization, define execution plans, and ensure US regulatory alignment while delivering tangible engineering outcomes for a lead-cooled SMR effort.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering experience in highly regulated industries (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear), including experience with US nuclear.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience working across organizations and geographies.
• Strong understanding of engineering execution in complex projects.
• Relevant engineering degree.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a build-phase organization.
• US work authorization.

Responsibilities

• US Engineering Execution: Own the engineering needed to execute the reference design in the US; deliverables for build/install/operation.
• Team Build-Up: Build and lead the US engineering team across key disciplines; hire in line with project schedule.
• R&D Organization Interface: Interface to R&D; maintain design intent and manage change control.
• Licensing Support: Provide engineering input to DOE authorization processes; ensure US expectations for structure and traceability.
• External Interfaces: Own engineering interfaces with INL, Oklo, and US partners; deliver commitments.
• Codes & Standards Alignment: Align outputs with US codes (ASME BPVC, ANSI/ANS, ASCE, IEEE) and QA (NQA-1).
• First 90 days: identify gaps, deliver first engineering package, hire first engineers, set operating model, establish interfaces.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Regulated industries

Multidisciplinary teams

US nuclear experience

Strong communication

Build-phase organization

US work authorization

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Blykalla is working toward deploying its first reactor in the United States, with planned activities connected to Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We are looking for a VP Engineering US to build and lead our US engineering team and enable execution of Blykalla’s reference design in the US context.

This is a first-of-a-kind project at an early stage. You will be the person who makes Blykalla’s reference design actually work in the US — technically, regulatorily, and organizationally.

Our US program, Fjäll, targets first criticality in 2027, with full power by 2029–31. We are building this from the ground up — every hire is foundational.

Your assignment

As VP Engineering US, you will lead the US engineering team and ensure that Blykalla’s reference design is executed in the US program. You act as the US engineering lead within the program, working closely with Blykalla’s R&D organization to preserve design intent while enabling practical execution in the US.

You report to the VP of Engineering, with a dotted line to the Head of US Project Development in Austin.

Key responsibilities

US Engineering Execution

Own the engineering needed to execute Blykalla’s reference design in the US. Ensure that design and R&D are turned into deliverables that can be built, installed, and operated in the US program. Identify gaps early and drive resolution.

Team Build-Up

Build and lead the US engineering team across key disciplines. Phase hiring in line with the project schedule and execution needs.

R&D Organization Interface

Act as the primary interface to the R&D organization. Maintain design intent, manage change control, and ensure alignment on technical decisions.

Licensing Support

Provide engineering input to the DOE Authorization process (NSDA, PDSA, DSA). Ensure that engineering outputs meet US expectations for structure, rigor, and traceability.

External Interfaces

Own engineering interfaces with INL, Oklo, and US partners. Represent engineering in technical discussions and ensure commitments are delivered.

Codes & Standards Alignment

Ensure that engineering outputs are aligned with relevant US codes and standards (e.g., ASME BPVC, ANSI/ANS, ASCE, IEEE) and QA expectations (NQA-1). Support the adaptation of Blykalla’s reference design to meet US regulatory and industry requirements.

Your first 90 days

• Establish gaps between Blykalla’s reference design and US execution needs, and deliver a first engineering package or gap closure.
• Build the US engineering hiring plan aligned with project milestones, and hire the first 1–2 key engineers.
• Define the US–R&D organization operating model.
• Establish key interfaces (R&D organization and US partners).
• Identify top execution risks and mitigation pathways.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who can lead, build, and bridge.

Must have

• 10+ years of engineering experience from highly regulated industries (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear), including experience with US nuclear.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience working across organizations and geographies.
• Strong understanding of engineering execution in complex projects.
• Relevant engineering degree.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a build-phase organization.
• US work authorization.

Strong advantage

• Experience with US nuclear codes and standards (ASME, ANSI/ANS, etc.).
• Familiarity with DOE Authorization / 10 CFR 830.
• Experience with advanced reactors or FOAK programs.

About Blykalla

Blykalla is developing the next generation of nuclear technology with our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on innovative fuel, materials, and reactor designs. As Sweden’s only SMR developer, we are on a mission to decarbonize industries and enable safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions. Our technology uses lead coolant, creating novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems.

Our US development program, Fjäll, is working toward deploying Blykalla’s first reactor in the United States, targeting first criticality in 2027. We are standing up this program from scratch, which means every hire matters and every role is foundational.

Location

Austin, TX. Occasional travel to Stockholm, Sweden.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role.

Base salary: $170,000–$220,000 annually, depending on experience and background.

In addition, you can expect:

• Equity participation
• Comprehensive benefits through Deel, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k)

The salary range reflects our target band for Austin. The final offer will be determined based on qualifications.

So, what do you think?

Joining our team means being part of a pioneering effort to deploy the first advanced lead-cooled SMR in the United States. You will lead US engineering at the intersection of advanced reactor design, US codes and standards, and DOE Authorization — and build the team that delivers it.

We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace free from discrimination. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background makes us better — and we encourage everyone to apply.

We do not accept applications via email.