Nuclear Licensing & Safety Engineer – Nuclear Centrifuge Program

Napakiak Ventures•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
Senior / Principal (10–30 years)
Extensive experience leading nuclear licensing or authorization efforts for complex nuclear facilities.
Deep understanding of DOE nuclear authorization processes and alignment with commercial nuclear regulatory frameworks.
Proven ability to lead regulator interactions, shape licensing strategy, and guide programs through initial authorization and operational expansion.
Experience mentoring engineers and setting long-term regulatory strategy.

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.