Engineering Program Lead -Transportable Microreactor Operations and Construction

INL is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Engineering Program Lead for a next-generation, factory-fabricated transportable microreactor system.

This highly visible role is responsible for leading the full project lifecycle-from design, construction, and system integration through commissioning, operational readiness, testing, and deployment. The microreactor platform is designed for rapid transport and resilient power generation in austere and mission-critical environments.

The Engineering Program Lead will lead a multidisciplinary organization that includes all technical disciplines needed to design, construct, fuel, start up, and operate a transportable microreactor.

A critical element of this role is coordinating INL interface with the reactor design/build subcontractor, ensuring alignment of design intent, fabrication quality, safety basis, configuration control, delivery milestones, testing requirements, and integration with INL facilities and operations.

The position requires close engagement with Department of War stakeholders (including Project Pele partners), DOE senior leadership, national laboratory executives, industry collaborators, and visiting dignitaries.

The successful candidate will provide technical and operational leadership, ensure regulatory and safety excellence, manage cost and schedule performance, and represent the program in high-level briefings and demonstrations.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: (Knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for this position.)

• Lead planning, execution, and oversight of microreactor construction, assembly, transport, installation, commissioning, and operational startup at INL facilities.
• Serve as the primary INL point of contact for the reactor design/build subcontractor, providing technical direction, programmatic oversight, integration coordination, and performance monitoring across design, fabrication, factory acceptance testing, delivery, and on-site installation.
• Ensure effective integration between subcontractor-delivered systems and INL site infrastructure, safety basis documentation, configuration management systems, and operational readiness requirements.
• Direct and integrate cross-functional technical teams across nuclear, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering disciplines, as well as operations and maintenance organizations.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and mission-ready operations aligned with DOE Orders, INL standards, and NRC requirements (as applicable).
• Oversee development and implementation of:
  • Operational procedures
  • Configuration management frameworks
  • Maintenance strategies
  • Operator training and qualification programs
• Interface routinely with INL senior leadership, DOE program offices, military sponsors, regulators, subcontractor leadership, and external stakeholders to communicate progress, resolve technical issues, and align strategic objectives.
• Deliver technical briefings, executive presentations, demonstrations, and project reviews to senior government officials, sponsors, regulatory representatives, and oversight bodies.
• Manage risk, cost, schedule, and resource allocation; ensure subcontractor performance meets contractual and technical requirements.
• Contribute to long-term program strategy and microreactor deployment planning.
• Support technology maturation, data collection, and testing campaigns to advance national microreactor deployment capabilities
  

Education, Credentials, and Work Experience:

Required

• Level 4: Master's in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 6 years of relevant experience or a PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Level 5: Master's in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 8 years of relevant experience or a PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or closely related field and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Progressive experience in:

• Nuclear reactor operations
• Reactor construction or commissioning
• Advanced reactor development
• Large-scale technical project management
• Experience managing major subcontractors or industrial partners on complex, safety-critical technical programs.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams in highly regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of nuclear safety principles, configuration management, maintenance strategy, and operational readiness.
• Proven ability to brief senior executives, military leadership, regulators, and technical audiences with clarity and authority.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with cost and schedule accountability.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• 10 + years of progressive experience in:
  • Nuclear reactor operations
  • Reactor construction or commissioning
  • Advanced reactor development
  • Large-scale technical project management
  • Experience with transportable or mobile nuclear systems.
  • Direct experience with microreactors (e.g., heat pipe, gas-cooled, or other advanced concepts).
  • Familiarity with TRISO fuel systems and advanced reactor fuel qualification.
  • Experience supporting DOE or DOW nuclear programs (e.g., Project Pele).
  • Working knowledge of INL facilities, DOE Orders, and nuclear regulatory processes.
  • Background in military, defense, or national security nuclear applications.
    

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with laboratory field work subjected to variable weather. The noise level is generally moderate. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance. Position may include exposure to mechanical, electrical, pressure, temperature, and other potential hazards. Necessary safety equipment may be required including personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. Periodic safety training is necessary. Position may be required to work irregular hours of more than 8 hours/day and working alone.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Engineering Program Lead -Transportable Microreactor Operations and Construction to work on our Nuclear Reactor Technology team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

The pay range for this position is: Level 4 (114,360 - $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.