Senior Director of Software Engineering

About The Nuclear Company

The Nuclear Company (TNC) is at the forefront of America's nuclear renaissance, delivering the abundant, clean, reliable energy necessary for our nation to remain the world's leader. We're not just building nuclear plants – we're revolutionizing how they're built.

Our Strategic Advantage: Nuclear OS will be built by the team that will use it. No other effort in the industry is embedding its technology staff alongside the engineering, procurement and construction teams responsible for execution. Others attempt to build software from the outside, disconnected from the realities of nuclear deployment. The Nuclear Company is building a system designed from the inside — ensuring Nuclear OS will address the challenges that have stalled nuclear projects for decades.

About Nuclear OS (NOS)

Nuclear OS is a secure, AI-native digital platform being developed jointly by The Nuclear Company and Palantir Technologies to transform the deployment of a fleet of nuclear facilities.  It serves as an integrated operating system for managing every aspect of nuclear plant construction and commissioning – from design and scheduling to supply chain, field operations, and regulatory compliance.

Revolutionary Impact: Nuclear OS will be a comprehensive, AI-driven digital platform designed to simplify and speed up construction of nuclear reactors. Unlike existing tools that only solve aspects of a problem, Nuclear OS will be designed to integrate all phases of nuclear deployment into a single, intelligent, and automated system.

Position Overview

As Director of Software Engineering, you will lead the development of Nuclear OS, the first purpose-built digital platform to digitize, automate, and streamline the development and deployment of fleet-scale nuclear power plants. This is more than software; it is an operational paradigm shift that aligns people, data, and technology in service of deploying nuclear energy infrastructure with greater predictability, transparency, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Drive the technical vision and roadmap for Nuclear OS as a comprehensive AI-driven digital platform
• Lead cross-functional collaboration between software engineering, nuclear engineering, procurement, and construction teams
• Establish Nuclear OS as a long-term strategic asset capable of extension to plant operations, fleet management, and decommissioning.

Technical Architecture & Development

• Oversee the foundational architecture combining Palantir's powerful data integration and modeling capabilities with nuclear-specific functionality.
• Ensure end- to -end system integration where improvements in one area immediately benefit all other areas through a common platform.
• Lead development of core NOS components including Data Integration and Ontology, AI/ML Deployment and Intelligent Assistance, DevSecOps and Deployment Strategy, Investigative Analytics and Root Cause Analysis, and Regulatory Compliance and Workflow Automation

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a world-class software engineering organization.
• Foster a culture of innovation, quality, and rapid iteration.
• Develop training programs targeting 50% reduction in onboarding time and 90% adoption rate across teams.
• Implement AR-powered simulations and hands-on tutorials for workforce adoption.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Work closely with Palantir Technologies to leverage their platform capabilities.
• Ensure effective oversight of vendors and contractors, particularly those unfamiliar with nuclear requirements.
• Manage segregated collaboration workspaces for partners with appropriate export control compliance

Required Qualifications

Technical Excellence

• 15+ years of software engineering experience with 8+ years in leadership roles
• Proven track record building and scaling enterprise software platforms
• Deep expertise in AI/ML systems, data integration, and cloud-native architecture
• Experience with DevSecOps practices and security frameworks
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance systems and workflow automation

Industry Experience

• Experience in highly regulated industries (nuclear, aerospace, defense, or similar)
• Understanding of complex engineering and construction workflows
• Familiarity with safety-critical systems and quality assurance processes
• Experience with export control regulations and secure collaboration environments

Leadership Capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead large, distributed engineering teams
• Experience managing partnerships with major technology vendors
• Track record of delivering complex, mission-critical software systems on time and budget
• Strong communication skills with ability to interface with C-suite executives and technical teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• Experience in nuclear industry or large-scale infrastructure projects
• Background in construction management or industrial project execution
• Familiarity with Palantir technologies or similar data integration platforms
• Security clearance eligibility

What We Offer

• Mission-Critical Impact: Lead the development of technology that will transform America's energy infrastructure
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest AI/ML technologies and data integration platforms
• Strategic Partnership: Collaborate directly with Palantir Technologies on groundbreaking solutions
• Industry Leadership: Pioneer new standards for project execution in the nuclear industry that could become a model worldwide
• Competitive Compensation: Equity participation in America's nuclear renaissance
• Professional Growth: Opportunity to build and lead a world-class engineering organization

Ready to Power America's Future?

Join us in making on-time, on-budget nuclear a reality and light the way for the world's energy future. Nuclear OS will be not just software, but a strategic asset that propels TNC to the forefront of clean energy infrastructure development.

Apply now to lead the technology that will define the future of nuclear energy.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range: 

The estimated starting salary range for this role is $220,000 - $255,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a semi-monthly basis.  The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About The Role

The Senior Technical Nuclear Expert is a highly specialized technical leadership role responsible for providing deep nuclear engineering expertise across reactor systems, safety analysis, regulatory compliance, and nuclear facility design and operations. This position requires extensive knowledge of nuclear physics, reactor theory, safety systems, and NRC regulations to support TNC's fleet-scale nuclear deployment. You'll serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority on nuclear engineering matters, ensuring that all aspects of nuclear facility design, construction, and operations meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Nuclear Technical Leadership & Expertise

• Serve as subject matter expert on nuclear reactor systems, safety analysis, and nuclear engineering principles
• Provide advanced technical expertise on nuclear regulatory requirements including 10 CFR Part 50, 10 CFR Part 52, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, and ASME NQA-1 standards
• Lead technical reviews of design and construction processes associated with nuclear facilities
• Coordinate technical reviews of facility nuclear safety features
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of nuclear technology, reactor operations, and large-scale engineering systems
• Provide technical guidance to engineering teams on nuclear safety systems and reactor design

Reactor Systems & Safety Analysis

• Perform safety evaluations to verify that nuclear systems meet requirements and will perform as needed to afford reasonable assurance of plant safety
• Analyze nuclear safety systems including reactor protection, emergency core cooling, and containment systems
• Conduct reactor physics analyses including criticality, neutron flux distribution, and fuel burnup calculations
• Evaluate reactor control systems and instrumentation for safety-related functions
• Perform thermal-hydraulic analysis of reactor core and cooling systems
• Assess accident scenarios and develop mitigation strategies
• Review passive and active safety systems for defense-in-depth capability

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

• Support NRC licensing activities including design certification, combined license (COL), and operating license applications
• Lead ITAAC (Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria) development and closure to demonstrate compliance with design commitments
• Prepare and review safety analysis reports (SAR/FSAR) for NRC submission
• Support NRC inspections and respond to regulatory questions and requests for additional information (RAIs)
• Ensure compliance with 10 CFR 52.103(g) requirements for fuel load authorization
• Coordinate with NRC staff on technical issues and regulatory positions
• Track and implement regulatory guidance including Standard Review Plans (NUREG-0800), Regulatory Guides, and industry standards

Nuclear Design & Engineering

• Review and approve nuclear system designs for safety, reliability, and performance
• Evaluate equipment qualification for nuclear service including seismic, environmental, and radiation qualification
• Assess nuclear fuel design including enrichment, burnup, and reload strategies
• Review reactor core design including fuel assembly configuration and control rod patterns
• Evaluate radiation protection and shielding design for personnel safety
• Support nuclear island layout and arrangement optimization
• Review nuclear-grade component specifications and procurement requirements

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with ASME NQA-1 quality assurance requirements for nuclear facilities
• Review quality assurance programs for design, procurement, construction, and operations
• Support 10 CFR 50 Appendix B implementation and compliance verification
• Evaluate supplier quality programs for nuclear-grade components
• Review inspection and test procedures for nuclear systems and components
• Ensure traceability of nuclear safety-related items throughout the supply chain
• Support corrective action programs for nuclear quality issues

Technical Documentation & Analysis

• Prepare technical reports and white papers on nuclear engineering topics
• Develop design basis documents and technical specifications
• Review and approve calculations, analyses, and technical evaluations
• Create technical training materials for nuclear engineering staff
• Document lessons learned from nuclear projects and operations
• Maintain technical basis documents for design decisions and regulatory commitments

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Interface with NRC staff on technical and regulatory matters
• Collaborate with reactor vendors and nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) suppliers
• Engage with industry organizations (NEI, EPRI, ANS) on nuclear standards and best practices
• Present technical information to executives, board members, and external stakeholders
• Support public outreach on nuclear safety and technology
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff on nuclear engineering principles

Nuclear OS Integration

• Provide nuclear technical expertise to Nuclear OS development teams
• Ensure Nuclear OS features align with nuclear safety requirements and regulatory expectations
• Review AI/ML applications for nuclear safety implications
• Support digital twin development with nuclear system modeling expertise
• Validate automated compliance tracking for nuclear regulatory requirements
• Ensure technical accuracy of nuclear engineering data in Nuclear OS

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering (Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred)
• 15+ years of experience in nuclear engineering, reactor design, or nuclear operations
• 10+ years working with commercial nuclear power plants or advanced reactor designs
• 5+ years in technical leadership or subject matter expert roles
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Nuclear Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge of nuclear reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and safety analysis
• Deep understanding of reactor systems including primary coolant, emergency core cooling, containment, and auxiliary systems
• Proficiency in nuclear safety analysis codes (RELAP, TRACE, PARCS, MCNP, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of reactor core design, fuel management, and criticality safety
• Experience with probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) and deterministic safety analysis
• Understanding of radiation protection, shielding design, and ALARA principles
• Knowledge of nuclear materials, corrosion, and aging management

Regulatory & Standards Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of NRC regulations (10 CFR Parts 50, 52, 100) and regulatory processes
• Strong understanding of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III (nuclear components)
• Familiarity with IEEE standards for nuclear power plant instrumentation and control
• Knowledge of ANSI/ANS standards for nuclear facilities
• Experience with NRC licensing processes including design certification and COL
• Understanding of ITAAC development, performance, and closure processes

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in nuclear analysis software and computational tools
• Strong analytical skills with ability to solve complex technical problems
• Experience with technical writing and preparation of regulatory documents
• Knowledge of engineering design processes and configuration management
• Understanding of digital instrumentation and control systems for nuclear applications
• Familiarity with quality assurance and quality control principles

Preferred Experience

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering or related field
• Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license or equivalent operational experience
• Experience with advanced reactor designs (SMRs, Gen IV reactors)
• Background in nuclear construction or commissioning
• Experience with digital I&C systems and software-based safety systems
• Knowledge of international nuclear standards (IAEA, WENRA)
• Publications in peer-reviewed nuclear engineering journals
• Active participation in ANS, ASME, or other professional societies
• Experience with NRC or international regulatory agencies
• Background in nuclear fuel cycle or waste management

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $121,000 - $143,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.