Licensing Engineer

Job title: Licensing Engineer

About the Role Abilene Christian University seeks a Licensing Engineer to oversee NEXT Lab's regulatory compliance and licensing activities with NRC and DOE. The role ensures safety, regulatory alignment, and effective interaction with federal agencies.

What You'll Do

• Ensure NEXT Lab's nuclear activities comply with NRC regulations and DOE requirements, and monitor regulatory changes.
• Prepare, review, and submit licensing documents (license amendments, renewals, technical reports); tailor submissions to NEXT Lab's advanced reactor research objectives; track submittal progress with NRC and DOE; respond to audit questions.
• Coordinate development of the MSRR Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) and ensure it reflects current activities; verify NRC and DOE safety standard compliance.
• Develop and update operational procedures for NEXT Lab; create and maintain training materials; prepare emergency plans aligned with NRC/DOE/industry best practices.
• Coordinate NRC/DOE inspections, audits, and assessments; address findings and implement corrective actions.
• Assist in training NEXT Lab personnel; support researchers and reactor operators in achieving required certifications; ensure training meets licensing requirements.
• Serve as liaison between NEXT Lab, ACU administration, NRC, and DOE; provide clear communication on licensing matters; represent NEXT Lab in regulatory discussions.
• Conduct risk assessments for activities; evaluate impacts of changes on licensing and safety; propose mitigations.
• Maintain accurate licensing records and archive correspondence with NRC/DOE; ensure documentation reflects research initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Professional Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in nuclear engineering or related field; at least 2 years in licensing or regulatory compliance involving NRC/DOE processes; experience with research reactors or advanced nuclear technologies highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of NRC regulations (e.g., 10 CFR Part 50, Part 55), DOE requirements, nuclear safety principles, and licensing processes.
• Familiarity with research reactor operations, safety analysis, and advanced reactor designs; ability to be approved for access to ACU SGI-M designated material.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documents and interactions with NRC, DOE, and stakeholders.
• Personal ability to analyze complex issues, propose solutions, and implement corrective actions; detail-oriented and collaborative.
• Proficient with general computer skills; experience with SharePoint and Microsoft Office; knowledge of training and documentation tools.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for 1 hour or more.