Director, Engineering

Director, Engineering

The Engineering Director will serve as the senior technical leader for a complex, multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for the design, development, analysis, and maturation of advanced nuclear systems in the terrestrial and space domains. This executive role requires deep experience navigating the rigorous technical, safety, and regulatory environments associated with nuclear technology, whether gained in commercial nuclear operations, advanced reactor development, national laboratories, or U.S. government nuclear programs. As a senior member of the Advanced Technologies leadership team, the Engineering Director will oversee a large matrixed engineering workforce, ensure the execution of high-quality engineering deliverables across development lifecycle phases, and drive organizational performance to meet demanding program schedules and customer expectations. This role partners closely with program leaders on terrestrial microreactor and space nuclear reactor initiatives and reports directly to the President of Advanced Technologies.

Location: On-site in Lynchburg, Virginia. Remote work is not available for this role.

Your Day to Day as a Director, Engineering:

• Lead a large, complex matrixed organization encompassing nine major engineering disciplines and numerous technical sub disciplines.
• Provide senior technical oversight for all product-focused engineering execution across advanced reactor, microreactor, and space nuclear programs.
• Own all engineering procedures and technical governance under the 10 CFR 50 Appendix B / NQA 1 and ASME quality programs.
• Direct the organization's design process, engineering standards, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a key strategic partner to program leadership, ensuring optimal allocation of engineering resources to meet cost, schedule, and technical objectives.
• As the design authority, act as the senior point of escalation and decision-making authority for technical and cross disciplinary challenges.
• Develop and implement long term organizational growth, workforce development, and capability expansion strategies aligned with business needs.
• Introduce and institutionalize best in class engineering practices from nuclear, aerospace, defense, and other highly regulated industries.
• Collaborate with the Advanced Technologies executive team to shape organizational culture, portfolio strategy, and long-term business evolution.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.
• A minimum of twenty (20) years of engineering experience supporting U.S. government nuclear programs, commercial nuclear operations, advanced reactors, or aerospace/defense nuclear applications is required.
• Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of senior management experience leading large engineering or technical organizations.
• Must have demonstrated experience executing engineering work governed by rigorous nuclear quality programs such as NQA 1, ISO 9001, and/or AS9100.
• Must have demonstrated experience in leading the delivery and execution of complex new products through all phases of the development lifecycle.
• Must have a proven ability to lead through influence and manage complex matrixed teams across multiple programs and technical domains.
• Must have exceptional written, verbal, and analytical communication skills.
• Must have demonstrable ability to effectively engage with senior stakeholders, customers, regulators, and internal leadership at all levels.
• Must have strong attention to technical rigor and organizational detail.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced engineering degree is strongly preferred (M.S. or higher).
• Strong background in systems engineering.
• Experience leading organizations responsible for designing, operating, or maintaining nuclear reactors or advanced nuclear systems.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $169,000.00 - $238,000.00 The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $169,000.00 and $238,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.