Principal/Lead Nuclear Engineer

About the role

As a Principal/Lead Nuclear Engineer at MPR, you'll work across advanced fission reactors, operating nuclear plants, and research facilities. Your role will primarily focus on providing subject matter expertise and mentorship to the next generation of nuclear engineering experts, and leveraging your experience and connections to capture cutting-edge projects for MPR.

Responsibilities

• Develop design/analytical solutions for complex technical challenges across diverse reactor technologies.
• Oversee MPR engineers performing neutronics simulations and core design criticality safety evaluations, critical core configurations, fuel cycle management, activation calculations, radiation detection and shielding analyses, alarm setpoint determination, shielding optimization, ALARA implementation, dosimetry calculations.
• Review and validate work performed by other MPR engineers.
• Challenge vendor assumptions and verify results using first principles thinking.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow MPR's project portfolio with existing and new clients.
• Take a lead role in client and stakeholder interactions by effectively communicating technical results.
• Mentor and coach engineers through execution of complex nuclear analysis work spanning different technical domains.
• Lead by example in mentoring junior engineers.
• Work with MPR leadership to identify pathways for junior engineers to grow.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with nuclear concentration, Advanced degree (MS or PhD) is a plus but not required.
• Technical Experience: 15+ years of nuclear engineering experience with demonstrated expertise across multiple technical areas (neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, radiation detection, shielding, radiological consequence evaluation).
• Proficiency with common nuclear engineering software: MCNP, SCALE, ORIGEN, RELAP, or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with both light water and non-light water reactor designs, or fusion device thermal and radiological designs.
• Experience developing test plans for novel nuclear designs (new fuel forms, components, etc.).
• Strong understanding of NRC regulations and guidance for reactor analysis (e.g., loss of coolant accident analysis methods, source term, licensing basis).
• Strong analytical skills grounded in first principles—not just software proficiency or vendor-specific methodologies.
• Deep understanding of nuclear physics, thermal-hydraulics, materials behavior, and radiological phenomena.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience presenting at industry conferences and engaging with external audiences.
• Proven ability to oversee and mentor less experienced engineers and build teams.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Receptive to constructive feedback and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement plan.

Pay

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The role is full-time, exempt, with travel up to 20% as required by project assignments, including client sites, test facilities, regulatory meetings, and visits between MPR offices.

Qualifications

• A “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.120.15 is required.
• Must meet Export Control compliance requirements.

Locations

• Alexandria VA (HQ)
• East Lyme CT
• Burlington MA
• Salt Lake City UT

About MPR

Founded 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.