Chief Engineer (3638) (Finance)

Description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a Chief Engineer (3638).

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client's success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Engineer to lead the design and integration of auxiliary equipment for a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program. This senior technical leader will oversee the engineering of auxiliary systems that are critical to reactor performance, reliability, and safety. The Chief Engineer will serve as the primary authority for design decisions, regulatory compliance, and technical integration across disciplines, ensuring successful delivery of advanced nuclear technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership for the design, analysis, and integration of auxiliary equipment and support systems for a PWR SMR, including cooling systems, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, instrumentation, and other balance-of-plant systems.
• Ensure all engineering designs comply with ASME, ANSI, NRC, DOE, and applicable nuclear safety standards.
• Serve as the Engineer of Record for auxiliary systems, stamping designs with PE license where required.
• Direct and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing technical reviews, design oversight, and problem resolution.
• Lead development of design specifications, system requirements, safety basis documentation, and interface control documents.
• Oversee system integration with nuclear island, turbine island, and plant-level systems.
• Collaborate with licensing and regulatory teams to support NRC/DOE reviews, audits, and inspections.
• Manage vendor and subcontractor technical deliverables, ensuring alignment with project scope and design intent.
• Act as the senior technical interface with stakeholders including government agencies, utilities, and industry partners.
• Provide leadership in risk management, design assurance, and engineering quality assurance for all auxiliary equipment.
• Contribute to R&D planning and long-term technology roadmaps for SMR systems advancement.

Requirements

• Professional Engineer (PE) License (Mechanical, Nuclear, or related discipline).
• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 15+ years of engineering experience with nuclear reactor builds, retrofits, or advanced reactor designs.
• Proven technical leadership in the design of auxiliary, balance-of-plant, or support systems for nuclear reactors.
• In-depth knowledge of PWR reactor systems, safety analysis, and nuclear quality standards (ASME NQA-1, DOE, NRC regulations).
• Demonstrated ability to serve as Engineer of Record with direct accountability for design compliance.
• Experience guiding large multidisciplinary engineering teams and interfacing with regulators, vendors, and contractors.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and technical problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with SMR or advanced reactor technology development.
• Hands-on experience with system integration, modular design approaches, and new nuclear construction projects.
• Active DOE/NRC project engagement history.

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability