Nuclear Technology & Engineering Director

Dallas, Texas (with travel to Oak Ridge, TN and other project sites)

Department: Engineering & Technical Operations
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Project Director
Location: Dallas, Texas (with frequent travel to Oak Ridge, TN, Washington, D.C., and other project sites)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Level: Senior Management / Executive
Security Clearance: Active or reinstatable DOE Q Clearance or DoD Secret/TS preferred
Compensation: $225,000 – $375,000 Base Salary + 25–50% Performance Bonus +Equity Participation

Company Overview

HGP Intelligent Energy is an advanced energy infrastructure company pioneering the integration of repurposed U.S. naval nuclear reactor technology with next-generation AI data center facilities.

Our flagship CoreHeld Project, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, will deploy dual A1B-class naval pressurized water reactors at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee. The project will deliver approximately 485 MWe of carbon-free baseload power to support the rapidly growing demands of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure.

HGP operates under the DOE’s accelerated licensing framework and is targeting commercial operation within 39 months—significantly faster than traditional nuclear development timelines. Backed by institutional investors, HGP is building a world-class technical and leadership team to execute this first-of-kind deployment and establish a scalable model for future projects.

Position Summary

The Director of Nuclear Technology & Engineering is the senior technical authority for HGP’s naval reactor repurposing program. This executive-level role provides strategic and hands-on leadership across reactor system integration, balance-of-plant (BOP) engineering, regulatory engagement, and project execution.

The Director serves as HGP’s primary subject matter expert on naval nuclear propulsion systems and represents the company in high-level technical engagements with the Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 National Security Complex, Naval Reactors (NAVSEA 08), and other federal and industry stakeholders.

A core responsibility of this role is ownership of balance-of-plant design and integration, including turbine-generator systems, condensers, feedwater and condensate systems, electrical infrastructure, cooling water systems, and grid interconnection. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of both the nuclear island and the conventional power conversion systems required to reliably deliver 485 MWe to the grid.

This position requires deep technical expertise, executive presence, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior government officials, national laboratory leadership, investors, and board members.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Strategy

Serve as the organization’s senior technical authority on naval pressurized water reactor systems, including A1B-class and S9G plants
Define and execute technical strategy for reactor integration, balance-of-plant design, and grid interconnection
Provide technical leadership on highly enriched uranium fuel management in coordination with Y-12 and NNSA
Lead technical input for DOE proposals, feasibility studies, safety analyses, and engineering documentation
Develop and maintain technical roadmaps covering deployment, commissioning, and operational readiness

Balance-of-Plant Engineering

Lead or oversee design and integration of BOP systems, including steam turbine generators, condensers, feedwater, and condensate systems
Direct engineering of plant electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and grid interconnection
Oversee cooling water system design, including intake and outfall structures and thermal discharge management
Manage integration between the nuclear steam supply system and conventional power conversion equipment
Coordinate with turbine OEMs, electrical equipment suppliers, EPC contractors, and architect-engineers
Ensure BOP systems meet TVA grid interconnection requirements and NERC reliability standards
Develop plant heat balance, efficiency optimization strategies, and auxiliary power requirements

Stakeholder Engagement and Regulatory Interface

Represent HGP in technical engagements with DOE, national laboratories, Naval Reactors, and other federal agencies
Interface with NAVSEA 08 and relevant Navy organizations on reactor technology transfer and operational requirements
Support regulatory approval activities under DOE’s accelerated licensing framework
Build strong working relationships with national laboratory engineers, DOE program leadership, and congressional stakeholders
Deliver technical briefings to investors, board members, and senior government officials

Project Execution and Team Development

Lead engineering efforts across all project phases, from selection negotiations through construction and commissioning
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing nuclear and power engineering organization
Manage technical scope, schedule, and budget for engineering activities
Coordinate closely with EPC partners, consultants, and specialty contractors
Establish engineering standards, quality assurance practices, and technical review processes

Safety, Security, and Compliance

Champion nuclear safety culture across the organization
Ensure compliance with DOE orders, NNSA requirements, and applicable nuclear safety regulations
Oversee development of safety documentation, including Documented Safety Analyses and Technical Safety Requirements
Support physical security and information security planning for special nuclear materials and classified programs

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
Master’s degree or higher preferred but not required with exceptional operational experience

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in naval nuclear propulsion, nuclear engineering, or power plant engineering
Direct experience with the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program strongly preferred
Experience with A1B-class, S9G, or other naval reactor plants highly desirable
Demonstrated expertise in balance-of-plant systems and conventional power generation equipment
At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience over technical teams
Experience interfacing with senior government, military, or utility leadership

Military Experience (if applicable)

Navy nuclear-trained officers (O-3 through O-6) with submarine or surface warfare backgrounds
Department Head, Engineer Officer, Executive Officer, or Naval Reactors staff experience highly valued
Chief Petty Officers (E-7 through E-9) with extensive nuclear engineering department experience considered

Security Requirements

U.S. citizenship required
Active or reinstatable DOE Q Clearance or DoD Secret/TS preferred
Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q Clearance and Human Reliability Program certification

Preferred Qualifications

Experience at Bettis or Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
Naval Reactors Headquarters experience
Ford-class carrier or Virginia-class submarine construction experience
Commercial nuclear power plant experience, particularly in BOP or plant engineering
Steam turbine-generator experience with major OEMs
Grid interconnection or transmission engineering experience
DOE national laboratory or federal infrastructure project experience
NNSA or Y-12 experience related to HEU operations
Professional Engineer license
Senior Reactor Operator certification
PMP certification

Required Competencies

Technical Excellence: Deep knowledge of PWR systems, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and power conversion
Systems Integration: Ability to understand and manage the full plant system from reactor to grid
Leadership: Proven ability to build, lead, and scale high-performing technical teams
Executive Communication: Ability to convey complex technical concepts to senior government, investors, and board audiences
Judgment and Accountability: Strong decision-making skills in high-consequence technical environments

Jobs for Department of Energy (DOE) Contractors in Dallas

Director