Lead Project Engineer

Lead Engineer/Project ManagerAs a Lead Engineer/Project Manager at MPR, you will serve as both an engineer and project leader, applying engineering expertise to solve complex challenges while managing project scope, schedule, budget, and client relationships. Consulting means no two projects are the same: different clients, different challenges, different problems to solve. It's the kind of breadth that keeps the work engaging and your skills continuously growing.MPR solves complex problems across power generation, federal services, and life sciences by applying engineering first principles and leveraging a multi-disciplinary team, focusing on problem-solving rather than repetitive, "turn-the-crank" work. In this context, engineers at MPR engage in diverse and challenging projects involving aspects of design, analysis, specification, test, modification, and failure investigation of industrial systems and equipment.The successful candidate will be expected to contribute their technical abilities to project teams immediately and leverage their leadership experience.Duties/ResponsibilitiesTypical duties for the role will vary based on project and workload at MPR, but will likely include an array of the following:Apply engineering first principles to analyze and solve complex technical problems across power generation, federal services, and life sciences sectorsPerform root cause analysis and develop technical solutions for equipment failures and system performance issuesReview and approve engineering calculations, drawings, and technical reportsDevelop innovative approaches to non-routine engineering challengesLead project planning, execution, and delivery from initiation through closeoutManage project scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocationCoordinate multi-disciplinary teams across mechanical, electrical, civil, and other engineering disciplinesServe as primary client interface for technical and project-related communicationsIdentify and mitigate project risks; escalate issues requiring senior management attentionEnsure deliverables meet quality standards and regulatory requirementsParticipate in proposal development and technical scope definitionQualificationsCompetitive candidates will have most of the following:EducationMinimum of a four (4) year technical degree is required. Candidates within one year of graduation may also be considered if currently engaged in full-time employment.S. Navy Nuclear Power Training is a plusFundamental of Engineering (FE) and/or Professional Engineer's license is preferred but is not requiredTechnical ExperienceAt least four (4) years of relevant experience including, but not limited to:Contributing technical role in projects covering specification, design, or evaluation of mechanical, civil/structural, I&C, and/or electrical systems and componentsManagement of technical projectsUse of design and analysis tools for systems and/or components (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, motors, and valves or experience with equivalent military equipment)Developing technical solutions to challenging engineering problemsA three-to-five-year tour of operational U.S. Navy Nuclear experience is considered equivalent.Leadership & Communication SkillsAbility to effectively manage time and prioritize work to meet commitmentsAptitude and desire to work outside of your engineering discipline(s) and quickly learn new conceptsStrong analytical skills with fundamental understanding of the underlying first principles of engineeringAbility to multi-task across teams of engineers and managers on various projectsMotivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problems and take on new responsibilitiesAbility to manage change and take active leadership in timely decision makingAbility to lead and motivate people and encourage teamworkExcellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and senior managementAbility to work collaboratively across functional teamsSolution oriented with a goal of enabling our client's successAbility to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environmentPersistent, questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in otherRequiredThis position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "US Person" includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.Locations: Alexandria VA (HQ), East Lyme CT, Burlington MA, or Salt Lake City UTPosition Type: Full-time, exemptTravel: 10-20% as required by project assignments, including client sites, test facilities, regulatory meetings, and visits between MPR officesWork Environment: Collaborative and technically rigorous—you'll lead multiple concurrent projects across different reactor technologies, mentor engineers across technical domains, and continuously expand your expertise while maintaining independence from vendor-specific approachesCompensation: The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000 annually. Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, internal parity, education, and skills. We offer comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision), flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, a 401(k) and profit sharing, as well as paid time off.About MPRFounded in 1964, MPR Associates provides independent engineering and consulting services to clients in the power and energy, federal, and life sciences sectors. The firm operates throughout the United States and internationally, making challenging projects successful by delivering safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project lifecycle. Our independence from any single technology vendor or corporate parent allows us to provide objective technical advice and maintain broad expertise across the nuclear industry.What truly sets MPR apart from our peers is:The Work: You'll serve as an independent technical authority using first-principles problem-solving, not repetitive vendor-specific calculations. A broad client base means direct interaction with reactor developers, plant owners, regulators, and research institutions—and insulation from the fate of any single technology. You'll also have autonomy to identify and pursue new projects that align with your expertise and interests.The Culture Technical rigor and first-principles thinking define MPR's approach—not vendor procedures or corporate mandates. You will work alongside bright, motivated engineers and project managers across mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, and materials disciplines. Questioning attitudes and constructive feedback are valued here; technical accuracy matters more than hierarchy. It's a high-performance culture built on trust and respect since 1964.Career Development Establish yourself as a recognized technical authority across diverse and challenging projects. You'll maintain technical breadth that keeps you relevant regardless of which technologies succeed commercially while growing as a leader through mentorship, project management, client engagement, and business development.MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.