Project Development Engineer

Our client is an emerging energy technology and project development company focused on enabling reliable, affordable, and scalable clean power. Their approach combines advanced nuclear generation with complementary energy systems, leveraging industrialized construction, modularization, and proven supply chains to significantly reduce cost, schedule, and deployment risk.

By pairing next-generation reactor technologies with streamlined manufacturing and siting strategies, the organization aims to accelerate the deployment of firm, low-carbon power across existing industrial and energy sites, helping customers meet long-term energy security and decarbonization goals.

Role Overview

The Project Development Engineer will play a key role in the early-stage technical development of advanced nuclear generation sites and associated balance-of-plant and supporting infrastructure. This includes evaluating project feasibility, shaping conceptual designs, coordinating permitting and interconnection strategies, and supporting internal investment and site-selection decisions. The role spans technical engineering analysis, site development, cost estimating, and regulatory coordination, with exposure to both nuclear facilities and complementary thermal or gas-based systems. This role will be based in the Washington, DC or Houston, TX (Sugarland) area.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Site Development

• Perform site screening, feasibility assessments, and technical due diligence for advanced generation projects.
• Develop and maintain standardized engineering assumptions and early-stage design criteria to support consistent project evaluations.
• Contribute technical input to proposals, RFP responses, and partner engagements.

Conceptual Engineering & Design

• Support development of conceptual plant layouts, site configurations, and preliminary designs.
• Evaluate civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements, including grid tie-ins, substations, water access, and auxiliary systems.
• Assess supporting energy infrastructure such as gas systems, pipelines, interconnections, and related equipment.
• Prepare early cost estimates (ROM-level), capital cost frameworks, and constructability considerations.

Permitting & Regulatory Support

• Assist with early permitting strategy, regulatory risk reviews, and “red flag” assessments.
• Coordinate with utilities, regulators, consultants, and other stakeholders to address technical and compliance requirements.

Grid & Interconnection Planning

• Support transmission and interconnection studies for generation assets, including coordination with utilities and transmission owners.
• Evaluate interconnection configurations, including behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter options, in collaboration with commercial teams.
• Ensure supporting infrastructure meets safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.

Technical Documentation & Risk Analysis

• Prepare technical memoranda, engineering reports, and presentation materials for internal and external audiences.
• Identify engineering, permitting, constructability, logistics, operational, and regulatory risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support internal decision-making regarding site advancement or elimination.
• Engage with local technical experts and potential project partners to understand regional risks and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Energy, or a related engineering discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in power generation or energy infrastructure project development and engineering.
• Exposure to nuclear, advanced thermal generation, or hybrid energy systems preferred.
• Experience with transmission interconnection, gas infrastructure, and/or water supply systems.
• Familiarity with energy permitting, environmental review, and infrastructure regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency with CAD, GIS, and engineering or project modeling tools.