Lead Nuclear Engineer

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We currently have an exciting position for a Nuclear Engineer to support our Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) division in San Diego, CA. This position is for a Lead Nuclear (Island) Engineer responsible for the design and development of systems and components within the nuclear island of advanced nuclear energy facilities.

The candidate will contribute to the definition, analysis, and documentation of nuclear island systems and components, translating complex design requirements into innovative, compliant engineering solutions. This role requires strong systems engineering acumen, a deep understanding of nuclear technologies, and excellent communication skills to align technical, regulatory, and plant-wide design objectives.

The successful candidate will serve as a critical interface between the Nuclear Design team, the Licensing team, and the Balance of Plant (BOP) Design team, ensuring effective technical integration across disciplines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Lead the design and development of nuclear island systems and components, including heat transfer equipment, reactor coolant system components, engineered safety features, and supporting mechanical systems.

Provide technical direction and oversight to multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring system designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Serve as the engineering point of contact for assigned reactor systems, driving design integration, technical resolution, and alignment with licensing and safety analysis needs.

Develop, review, and approve design documentation, engineering calculations, and safety analyses with a focus on quality, completeness, and regulatory compliance.

Interface with internal analysis teams, project management, vendors, and regulatory authorities to guide design development and resolve complex technical challenges.

Lead and participate in technical design reviews, program milestone meetings, and cross-functional working groups.

Mentor junior engineers and support staff, promoting knowledge sharing and development of technical expertise across the team.

Manage technical risks, design changes, and system-level impacts through structured engineering processes.

Contribute to long-term engineering strategy, including technology development, system upgrades, and licensing support for advanced reactor deployment.

Ensure adherence to company safety, quality, and engineering standards in all phases of design execution.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

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Job Qualifications :

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.

Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.

Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and lead less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.

Must possess general based knowledge of reactor design and specialized knowledge of nuclear licensing which should include some of the following :

Familiarity with ASME Section III, nuclear safety classification, and licensing requirements (e.g., NRC regulations, 10 CFR Part 50 / 52, DOE, and international equivalents).

Experience in developing technical design documentation, calculations, and safety basis reports.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional engineering environment.

Experience working on advanced reactor designs or next-generation nuclear technologies.

Prior involvement in safety-related component qualification or licensing interface.

Proficiency in system modeling tools or CAD / CAE platforms for pressure / thermal system evaluations.

Prior experience in maturing and clearly defining the safety basis of an advanced nuclear reactor concept beyond conceptual design is desirable.

A Professional Engineering License is desirable.

The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security clearance is required.

Salary : $116,480 - $208,505 Travel Percentage Required 0 - 25 Relocation Assistance Provided Provided US Citizenship Required? Yes Clearance Required? Desired Clearance Level Senior (8+ years) Workstyle Onsite

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. To learn more visit Notices.pdf. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.