Licensing Engineer

Job description

About the role Aalo 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‑1271‑2025, 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‑1271‑2025, 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. Aalo Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Persons in compliance with 10 CFR Part 810 and may not hold non-compliant foreign citizenships. Direct applicants only. No recruiters or staffing agencies, please. About Aalo Atomics Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting-edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we’re rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world’s first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future.