Project Director Energy - Remote - Contingent

Overview

We are seeking a Project Director Energy - Remote - Contingent. This remote/contingent position is based out of our Oak Ridge, TN office.

Your role

• Single Point Accountability for program management and successful delivery of new commercial nuclear fuel cycle design, engineering, and construction projects, on time and on schedule.

• Projects may include design and engineering and/or owners engineer responsibilities for small modular reactor integration projects, nuclear fuel cycle facilities, etc.

• Manages a diverse design and engineering team dedicated to specific newbuild projects the company embarks on within the U.S.

• Defines program scope, objectives, deliverables, and success metrics in alignment with DOE/NRC requirements and client goals.

• Leads cross-functional design and engineering teams and subcontractors (civil, structural, mechanical, nuclear, electrical, I&C, safety).

• Develops and maintain program execution plans, work breakdown structures, schedules, budgets, and risk registers.

• Oversees design integration across nuclear systems, balance-of-plant, and site infrastructure.

• Coordinates with the customer, NRC, and other regulatory bodies on licensing, environmental reviews, and safety cases.

• Ensures compliance with nuclear QA programs (e.g., NQA-1) and industry codes/standards (ASME, IEEE, ANSI, etc.).

• Manages documentation and submittals required for regulatory approvals (FSAR, NEPA, site permits).

• Translates customer requirements into technical deliverables and contract execution strategies.

• Provides regular status updates, technical briefings, and risk assessments to senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Proactively identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks (technical, regulatory, financial, and geopolitical).

• Tracks cost performance, earned value metrics, and variance analysis.

• Implements corrective action plans when projects deviate from schedule or budget.

• Oversees site planning activities (geotechnical studies, site utilities, water intake/discharge, waste management).

• Coordinates between technology vendor, EPC contractors, and owner/operator.

• Manages interfaces between nuclear, balance-of-plant, grid interconnection, and supporting infrastructure.

• Ensures constructability reviews and operability input are integrated early in design.

• Promotes a strong nuclear safety culture and enforce conduct of engineering principles.

• Ensures security and safeguards are incorporated into design (physical protection, cyber, material control & accountability).

• Manages QA audits, surveillance, and corrective action programs.

• Develops workforce planning for specialized nuclear skills (radiological engineers, criticality safety, etc.).

• Supports technology maturation and demonstration for advanced nuclear fuel cycles or SMR deployment.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

About you

• Bachelor's degree required in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, civil/structural engineering, chemical engineering, or related discipline.

• Master’s degree in engineering management, nuclear engineering, or project management preferred.

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in nuclear, energy, or major infrastructure projects.

• At least 10 years in program / project management roles for large ($100M+) capital projects.

• Deep understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle (front-end supply chain, enrichment / fabrication).

• Prior leadership of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects in the nuclear sector.

• Familiarity with DOE, NRC, and international regulatory requirements for nuclear facilities.

• Experience with NQA-1 QA programs, licensing, and nuclear safety culture.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Advanced presentation skills.

• Intermediate knowledge of the use of Microsoft Office products and project controls-specific software.

• DOE/NQA-1 Quality Assurance & Nuclear Safety Training.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

• Direct nuclear industry experience in fuel cycle facilities, SMRs, reactors, enrichment, reprocessing, or waste management.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills are very important, both within the internal AtkinsRealis team and interfacing with customers. 

• Must be a U.S. citizen in order to be considered.

Reward & benefits

At AtkinsRéalis, our values—Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits. You can review our comprehensive benefits page here.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Are you ready to expand your career with us? Apply today and help us shape something extraordinary.

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, Drug-Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability

Please review AtkinsRéalis’ Equal Opportunity Statement here.

AtkinsRéalis cares about your privacy and is committed to protecting your privacy. Please consult our Privacy Notice our Careers site to know more about how we collect, use and transfer your Personal Data. By submitting your personal information to AtkinsRéalis, you confirm that you have read and accept our Privacy Notice. 

Note to staffing and direct hire agencies:

In the event a recruiter or agency who is not on our preferred supplier list submits a resume/candidate to anyone in the company, AtkinsRéalis family of companies, we explicitly reserve the right to recruit and hire the candidate(s) at our discretion and without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.  https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/recruitment-agencies

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