American Electric Power

Emergency Preparedness Director | NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT

American Electric Power • $161K — $208K *
Columbus, OH 43230In-Person
Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Emergency Management, or related field; Master's preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years in nuclear emergency preparedness, licensing, or regulatory affairs.
  • At least 5 years in a leadership role in nuclear emergency preparedness or related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated experience with NRC and regulatory agencies necessary.
  • Experience in advanced reactor or Generation III+/IV reactor activities is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and lead the Emergency Preparedness strategy for advanced nuclear technologies.
  • Engage with NRC, industry groups, and stakeholders to influence regulatory frameworks.
  • Support licensing activities for new reactor deployments and develop emergency planning strategies.
  • Oversee development of corporate emergency preparedness standards and training programs.
  • Create emergency response capabilities tailored for different reactor technologies.

Benefits

  • Discretionary short-/long-term incentives.
  • 401(k) and pension options.
  • Comprehensive health insurance.
  • Vacation and educational assistance.
  • Strong support for career development and training opportunities.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
08-10-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible for establishing and leading the Emergency Preparedness (EP) strategy, programs, licensing support activities, and regulatory engagement efforts for a fleet of advanced nuclear technologies, including Generation III+, Generation IV, small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and other emerging reactor designs. The position serves as the company's subject matter expert in radiological emergency preparedness and emergency planning regulation, leading development of innovative, risk-informed, and performance-based emergency planning approaches. The Director will actively engage with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), industry organizations, reactor developers, and emergency management stakeholders to influence the future regulatory framework governing advanced reactors, including implementation and application of 10 CFR 50.160 and related emergency preparedness requirements. The Director is also responsible for developing emergency planning solutions that support the company's reactor deployment strategy while creating value-added consulting and program development services for advanced reactor vendors, utilities, federal agencies, and other nuclear industry partners.

Job Description

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Regulatory Strategy and Industry Leadership
  • Serve as the company's lead subject matter expert on emergency preparedness regulations applicable to advanced nuclear reactors.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and influence NRC rulemaking, regulatory guidance, policy initiatives, and industry standards related to emergency preparedness and radiological emergency response.
  • Lead company participation in NRC workshops, public meetings, industry working groups, NEI working groups, standards committees, and other emergency preparedness forums.
  • Develop technical and regulatory positions supporting risk-informed and performance-based emergency planning approaches for advanced reactors.
  • Establish strategic relationships with NRC staff, FEMA, DOE, state emergency management organizations, industry groups, reactor developers, and utility partners.

Licensing and Project Development Support
  • Support licensing activities associated with new reactor deployments, including Construction Permit Applications, Combined License Applications, Operating License Applications, Early Site Permits, and Part 53 licensing activities.
  • Develop emergency planning strategies and licensing bases for multiple reactor technologies and deployment models.
  • Provide technical leadership for implementation of 10 CFR 50.160 and related emergency planning regulations.
  • Lead development of emergency planning analyses supporting reduced Emergency Planning Zones, scalable emergency preparedness programs, plume exposure pathway evaluations, and consequence-based emergency planning approaches.
  • Support site selection, environmental reviews, licensing strategy development, and integrated project planning efforts.

Emergency Preparedness Program Development
  • Develop and maintain corporate emergency preparedness standards, procedures, governance frameworks, and implementation guides.
  • Establish emergency response organization structures and emergency response capabilities appropriate for multiple reactor technologies.
  • Design emergency response training, qualification, drill, and exercise programs.
  • Develop emergency classification methodologies, emergency action levels, protective action recommendations, emergency facilities requirements, and associated implementing procedures.
  • Ensure emergency preparedness programs are aligned with applicable NRC, FEMA, DHS, DOE, and state requirements.

Technology Evaluation and Deployment
  • Provide emergency preparedness expertise to support evaluation and deployment of AP1000 and other Generation III+ reactors, SMRs, microreactors, high-temperature gas reactors, sodium fast reactors, and advanced non-light-water reactor technologies.
  • Evaluate emergency planning impacts associated with different reactor technologies and deployment configurations.
  • Develop standardized emergency planning approaches capable of supporting fleet-wide deployment while preserving technology-specific licensing flexibility.

Commercial Services and Business Development
  • Develop and lead external emergency preparedness consulting and technical services offerings.
  • Support generation of new revenue streams by providing emergency planning expertise to reactor vendors, utilities, developers, government agencies, military installations, and international nuclear organizations.
  • Lead development of emergency plans, licensing strategies, hazard assessments, EPZ analyses, emergency planning basis documents, regulatory submittals, and preparedness programs for external clients.
  • Support business development efforts by identifying market opportunities and developing emergency preparedness service offerings for advanced reactor developers and original equipment manufacturers.

Assessment and Program Excellence
  • Direct emergency preparedness assessments, audits, benchmarking activities, and independent reviews.
  • Evaluate domestic and international operating experience to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Establish performance indicators and monitoring programs to evaluate emergency preparedness effectiveness.
  • Ensure lessons learned and industry best practices are incorporated into company programs.


WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Emergency Management, Health Physics, Radiation Protection, Public Administration, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.
  • Master's degree in a related field preferred.

Experience
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in nuclear emergency preparedness, nuclear licensing, nuclear operations, radiation protection, regulatory affairs, emergency management, or a closely related technical discipline.
  • At least five years of leadership experience in nuclear emergency preparedness, licensing, regulatory affairs, or related technical disciplines.
  • Demonstrated experience interacting directly with the NRC and other regulatory agencies.
  • Experience supporting advanced reactor, SMR, microreactor, or Generation III+/Generation IV reactor development activities strongly preferred.

Desired Qualifications
  • Recognized industry expert in nuclear emergency preparedness.
  • Direct experience with implementation or application of 10 CFR 50.160.
  • Experience supporting reduced or alternative Emergency Planning Zone methodologies.
  • Participation in NRC rulemaking initiatives, NEI working groups, or standards development activities.
  • Experience supporting COLA, ESP, Part 50, Part 52, or Part 53 licensing efforts.
  • Demonstrated business development, consulting, or client-facing technical services experience.
  • Strong understanding of advanced reactor technologies and associated emergency planning challenges.
  • Existing relationships within NRC, DOE, FEMA, NEI, reactor vendors, national laboratories, and utility organizations.


WHAT YOU'LL GET

Base Salary: $161K - $208K

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary short-/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

$161K - $208K / Year

#AEPCareers

#LI-ONSITE

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-011

Compensation Range:

$160,434.00 - $208,565.50

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.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at AEP by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and career tips that you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Explore American Electric Power Jobs

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ
AEP
* Ladders Estimates

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