Lab Chief Engineer

About the Role ACU seeks a Lab Chief Engineer to provide technical oversight of reactor system design, licensing, and safety programs at the university's lab facilities. The role serves as a liaison among owners, design contractors, regulators, and project teams to ensure safety, compliance, and project success.

What You'll Do

• Provide technical oversight and independent review of reactor system design, licensing, construction, maintenance of the degradation management plan, and ASME certifications.
• Evaluate design documents, engineering calculations, and system specifications for compliance with goals and regulatory standards; provide feedback to ensure constructability, maintainability, and operability.
• Review contractor submittals, test plans, and analysis results for safety and performance alignment.
• Coordinate across engineering, regulatory, and project management teams; liaison between owner, design contractors, and regulatory bodies; participate in regular project reviews; maintain documentation of technical decisions and risk assessments.
• Monitor QA and safety programs to align with nuclear regulatory expectations and policies; verify compliance with codes and licensing; support readiness reviews, inspections, audits.

What We're Looking For

• Strong background in nuclear, mechanical, or chemical engineering with emphasis on high-temperature systems or reactor technologies.
• 10+ years of experience in reactor design, construction, or oversight; experience with advanced reactor technologies preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering; Master’s preferred; for dual faculty appointment, a master’s or doctoral degree required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in technical review, risk assessment, and project management in regulated environments; grant applications.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work in interdisciplinary teams; ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Personal integrity, accountability, safety, and commitment to ACU’s mission.

Nice to Have

• Experience with advanced reactor technologies (preferred).
• Grant writing experience (preferred).

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary and benefits information not disclosed in the posting.