Job Description

Job Summary

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's 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 Senior Nuclear Licensing Engineer to support our Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) division in San Diego, CA. This position is responsible for leading regulatory and licensing activities for advanced nuclear systems, including reactor technologies and fuel cycle facilities. The candidate will develop and execute licensing strategies, prepare and review regulatory submittals, and serve as a key technical interface with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Energy (DOE), and other regulatory authorities. This role requires strong regulatory expertise, excellent technical writing skills, and the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable engineering and programmatic solutions.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, safety analysis, and project management teams to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and support the advancement of GA's nuclear technology programs. This position offers significant opportunity to shape regulatory strategy and build organizational capability in support of next-generation nuclear systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the preparation, review, and submittal of licensing applications, safety analysis reports, technical specifications, and regulatory correspondence for advanced reactor systems and/or fuel fabrication facilities.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for interactions with the NRC, DOE, and other regulatory agencies, including pre-application engagements, audits, inspections, and public meetings.
• Develop and implement licensing strategies consistent with applicable regulations, including 10 CFR Part 50, Part 52, Part 70, 10 CFR 830, and related guidance documents.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure designs and design changes meet regulatory requirements and support the development of the licensing basis.
• Prepare responses to Requests for Additional Information (RAIs) and other regulatory inquiries with technical rigor and clarity.
• Maintain and manage licensing basis documentation, including configuration control of safety analysis reports, technical reports, and regulatory commitments.
• Monitor and interpret evolving nuclear policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards relevant to advanced reactors and fuel cycle facilities.
• Support readiness activities for NRC and DOE inspections, audits, and milestone reviews.
• Identify opportunities to enhance licensing processes, develop supporting procedures, and contribute to the maturation of GA's regulatory programs.
• Identify and engage subject matter experts and external resources to support licensing activities as program needs evolve.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior staff and cross-functional team members on regulatory matters.
• Ensure adherence to quality assurance standards and company safety protocols in all licensing activities.

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

 

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, seven or more years of experience with a master's degree, or four or more years of experience with a PhD. May substitute equivalent experience in nuclear licensing, regulatory affairs, or safety analysis in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of nuclear regulatory frameworks, licensing processes, and safety analysis principles; demonstrated experience applying regulatory requirements to complex technical systems; and the ability to interpret and communicate regulatory positions clearly and effectively.
• Must possess the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment; organize and execute complex licensing tasks independently; and work collaboratively across engineering, operations, and management functions. Must have excellent technical writing, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and lead cross-functional efforts; and the capability to develop high-quality regulatory submittals that meet stringent technical and quality standards.
• Must possess specialized knowledge in nuclear licensing, which should include some of the following:
• In-depth familiarity with NRC regulations (10 CFR Part 50, Part 52, Part 70, Part 71) and/or DOE regulations (10 CFR 830) and associated regulatory guidance.
• Experience preparing or reviewing licensing applications, safety analysis reports, environmental reports, or topical reports for nuclear reactors and/or fuel fabrication facilities.
• Proven track record managing regulatory interactions, including pre-application meetings, RAI responses, and inspection support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into engineering and programmatic actions.
• Experience with NRC Standard Review Plans (e.g., NUREG-0800, NUREG-1537) and/or DOE safety analysis guidance.
• Knowledge of nuclear materials transport regulations under DOT (49 CFR) and NRC (10 CFR Part 71) is desirable.
• Prior experience with advanced reactor licensing, fuel cycle facility licensing, or novel nuclear technologies is desirable.
• Familiarity with ASME codes, nuclear safety classification, and quality assurance requirements (e.g., 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 830 Subpart A) is desirable.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE and/or DOD security clearance is required