Nuclear Development Project Manager - Technical Director

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Nuclear Development Project Manager to join our Power & Energy team. The candidate will be involved in projects with our Power Generation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

The experienced Project Manager will lead concept design and feasibility study engagements for nuclear power asset development. This role sits at the intersection of advanced nuclear technology, project delivery, and strategic business development. The successful candidate will serve as the primary project lead for early‑phase nuclear development programs—managing owner’s engineer scoping, technology selection advisory, site feasibility assessments, and front‑end engineering deliverables.

A distinguishing feature of this role is the expectation that the Lead will cultivate and maintain direct relationships with nuclear technology licensors (including SMR, advanced reactor, and conventional LWR vendors), positioning the firm as a preferred engineering services partner across multiple technology platforms.

Responsibilities

• Concept Design & Feasibility Leadership
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams through concept design, pre‑FEED, and feasibility study phases for nuclear generation assets, including greenfield development and brownfield repowering or life‑extension programs.
  • Direct the preparation of technology screening reports, site suitability analyses, fatal flaw assessments, interconnection studies, permitting roadmaps, and preliminary capital cost estimates.
  • Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and quality for early‑phase engagements typically ranging from $500K to $10M+ in engineering services value.
  • Coordinate with civil/structural, mechanical, electrical, I&C, and nuclear safety disciplines to produce integrated feasibility deliverables.
  • Develop and present findings to developer clients, project sponsors, investors, and lender technical advisors.
• Licensor Relationship Development
  • Build and sustain working relationships with nuclear technology licensors and OEMs, including but not limited to vendors in the SMR, microreactor, molten salt, high‑temperature gas, and conventional PWR/BWR segments.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact between the firm and licensor engineering teams to understand technology‑specific design requirements, interface specifications, and balance‑of‑plant scoping expectations.
  • Negotiate teaming agreements and memoranda of understanding with licensors to establish the firm as a qualified engineering services provider and owner’s engineer for specific technology platforms.
  • Track licensor development milestones, NRC licensing status, design certification progress, and deployment pipeline to inform business development strategy.
  • Represent the firm at industry conferences, NRC public meetings, and licensor‑hosted workshops to maintain visibility and market intelligence.
• Business Development & Client Advisory
  • Support capture strategy and proposal development for nuclear feasibility and concept design pursuits, including technical approach narratives, staffing plans, and fee estimates.
  • Advise developer clients on technology selection, site‑technology matching, regulatory pathway considerations, and EPC delivery model options.
  • Identify and qualify new client opportunities among IPPs, utilities, data center developers, industrial energy users, and infrastructure funds entering the nuclear space.
• Project Delivery & Quality
  • Ensure deliverables meet applicable industry standards (ASME, IEEE, ANS, NRC regulatory guides) and firm quality management system requirements.
  • Manage subconsultant and specialist contractor scopes where required (e.g., seismic, hydrology, environmental, geotechnical).
  • Oversee project risk registers, change management, and client communication cadences throughout the engagement lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in nuclear, mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering from an ABET‑accredited program.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in nuclear power project engineering, of which at least 5 years in a project management or project lead capacity.
  • Demonstrated experience with concept design, feasibility studies, or pre‑FEED work for nuclear or large‑scale thermal generation facilities.
  • Working knowledge of NRC regulatory framework (10 CFR 50/52), nuclear quality assurance (NQA‑1), and the nuclear project lifecycle from site selection through COD.
  • Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with external technology partners, licensors, or OEMs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders, investors, and regulators.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in engineering, project management, or a related discipline.
  • PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
  • Direct experience with one or more advanced reactor or SMR technology platforms (e.g., NuScale, GE‑Hitachi BWRX‑300, TerraPower, X‑energy, Kairos, Holtec).
  • Prior owner’s engineer or EPC experience on nuclear new‑build or major modification programs.
  • Familiarity with the intersection of nuclear deployment and data center or industrial campus power demand.
  • Existing professional network among nuclear technology developers, regulators, and/or national laboratory contacts.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation and personal time; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary: $167,800 - $249,150

Equal Opportunity Employment

WSP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.