About the roleAalo Atomics is seeking a skilled Licensing Engineer to lead and support licensing, regulatory strategy, and safety-basis development for advanced nuclear reactor projects, with emphasis on Non-Light Water Reactors (non-LWRs) and DOE/NRC-regulated facilities. The role applies risk-informed, performance-based (RIPB) methods (including NEI 18-04/Licensing Modernization Project approaches), integrates PRA insights, and ensures compliance with NRC and DOE requirements throughout design, construction, and operation.
What you'll do- Licensing Basis & Methodology
- Lead or contribute to development of the project licensing basis using RIPB approaches and the Licensing Modernization Project (LMP) methodology (NEI 18-04 and related guidance).
- Establish and maintain the safety-focused design and licensing basis consistent with DOE/NRC expectations.
- Event Selection & Safety Analyses
- Select and evaluate Licensing Basis Events (LBEs) (AOOs, DBEs, BDBEs ) and assess them against Frequency-Consequence (F-C) targets.
- Perform or oversee deterministic safety analyses to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulatory limits (e.g., 10 CFR 50.34) and document results in PSAR/FSAR or other licensing submittals.
- SSC Safety Classification & Design Interface
- Classify Structures, Systems, and Components (SSCs) into SR, NSRST, or NST categories, and define applicable codes, quality standards, and special treatments for design, fabrication, erection, testing, and procurement.
- Work with design authorities and engineering teams to ensure design control, traceability to the design/licensing basis, and proper change management.
- Defense-in-Depth & Risk Assessment
- Conduct risk-informed/performance-based evaluations of Defense-in-Depth (DID) adequacy and ensure multiple layers of protection are incorporated in design and programmatic features.
- Integrate Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) models and insights into LBE selection, design decisions, and safety cases.
- Regulatory Submissions & Stakeholder Interaction
- Prepare, review, and manage licensing documents and technical reports (PSARs, FSARs, License Amendment Requests, COL/ML/ESP/CP/OL/SDAs as applicable).
- Engage with NRC staff (pre-application and formal reviews), DOE oversight, vendors, national laboratories, and other stakeholders to present technical and regulatory arguments.
- Program & Procedure Support
- Support development of operational programs, QA implementation (10 CFR 50, App. B where applicable), technical specifications, and training/qualification plans.
- Provide technical justification for exemptions or departures, when needed, backed by RIPB analyses.
- Communication & Teamwork
- Prepare clear technical reports and presentations; lead or participate in Integrated Decision-Making Process Panels (IDPP) or equivalent review boards.
- Mentor junior staff and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to meet licensing milestones.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Fire Protection, or closely related engineering/science field.
- Experience:
- Licensing Engineer: typically 2+ years of relevant nuclear industry experience with at least 1 year in nuclear operations/design or technical support.
- Senior Licensing Engineer: 5+ years of progressive experience in nuclear licensing, design, operations, or safety analysis with demonstrated involvement in NRC/DOE regulatory processes.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of nuclear reactor fundamentals (reactor theory, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics) and reactor systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency with PRA methodologies and applications for licensing and safety analyses.
- Familiarity with instrumentation & control (I&C) architectures and seismic qualification standards (e.g., ASCE/SEI 43-19, ASME QME-1, DOE/EH-0545) and equipment qualification processes.
- Regulatory & DOE Knowledge:
- Comprehensive understanding of U.S. nuclear regulations, particularly 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52; familiarity with Parts 73 and 100 preferred.
- Specific knowledge of 10 CFR 50.69 and risk-informed SSC categorization methods.
- Awareness of applicable DOE requirements and standards (e.g., 10 CFR 830, 10 CFR 835, 10 CFR 851, DOE O 420.1, DOE O 426.2, DOE-STD-[redacted], DOE-STD-1027 series).
- Skills:
- Excellent technical writing and oral communication for regulatory submittals and stakeholder interactions.
- Strong analytical problem-solving ability; experience applying RIPB tradeoffs to justify design and program decisions.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and to lead or participate in technical review panels.
- Proficiency with common engineering analysis tools and PRA software (tool experience specified by employer).
Required Qualifications- Education: Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Fire Protection, or closely related engineering/science field.
- Experience:
- Licensing Engineer: typically, 2+ years of relevant nuclear industry experience with at least 1 year in nuclear operations/design or technical support.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of nuclear reactor fundamentals (reactor theory, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics) and reactor systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency with PRA methodologies and applications for licensing and safety analyses.
- Familiarity with instrumentation & control (I&C) architectures and seismic qualification standards (e.g., ASCE/SEI 43-19, ASME QME-1, DOE/EH-0545) and equipment qualification processes.
- Regulatory & DOE Knowledge:
- Comprehensive understanding of U.S. nuclear regulations, particularly 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52; familiarity with Parts 73 and 100 preferred.
- Specific knowledge of 10 CFR 50.69 and risk-informed SSC categorization methods.
- Awareness of applicable DOE requirements and standards (e.g., 10 CFR 830, 10 CFR 835, 10 CFR 851, DOE O 420.1, DOE O 426.2, DOE-STD-[redacted], DOE-STD-1027 series).
- Skills:
- Excellent technical writing and oral communication for regulatory submittals and stakeholder interactions.
- Strong analytical problem-solving ability; experience applying RIPB tradeoffs to justify design and program decisions.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and to lead or participate in technical review panels.
- Proficiency with common engineering analysis tools and PRA software (tool experience specified by employer).
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline.
- Direct experience with non-LWR or advanced reactor licensing efforts.
- Prior interaction experience with the NRC or DOE regulatory reviews.
- Experience with quality assurance programs in nuclear projects and construction oversight.
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certifications.
Requirements: - Based in the United States
- Willing to work on-site in Austin, TX
What We Offer:- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Corporate Gym Membership
Additional Information: Aalo Atomics provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, intellectually challenging careers, and competitive compensation.
Direct applicants only. No recruiters or staffing agencies, please.
