Sr. Director, Engineering - Nuclear Development

Summary

The Sr. Director, Engineering – Nuclear Development is a senior technical leader guiding the engineering foundation of NYPA’s advanced nuclear program. Reporting to the VP, Engineering & Chief Engineer with a dotted line to the SVP, Nuclear Development, this role ensures NYPA’s nuclear initiatives are grounded in rigorous technical analysis, strong governance, and the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. The Sr. Director oversees NYPA’s technical reviews across advanced nuclear projects, providing expert evaluation of designs, licensing approaches, and complex engineering issues. Working closely with developers, OEMs, regulators, and senior internal stakeholders, and brings clarity to technical pathways, challenges assumptions, and informs key decisions that shape NYPA’s nuclear portfolio. The role builds and strengthens NYPA’s nuclear engineering capabilities, developing talent and maintaining depth across critical disciplines. Through disciplined technical leadership and sound judgment, the Sr. Director helps position NYPA to responsibly advance next‑generation nuclear solutions that support grid reliability and New York’s clean‑energy goals.

Responsibilities

- Develop and implement strategic plans for the nuclear engineering department, ensuring alignment with the company's mission, vision, and objectives.

- Collaborate with senior leadership to define and achieve goals that support overall business objectives.

- Develop strategies and oversee processes to ensure all projects comply with relevant regulatory standards, safety guidelines, and industry best practices.

- Oversee NYPA’s technical review activities across advanced nuclear initiatives, by establishing disciplined technical review, escalation, and documentation processes.

- Oversee engagement with developers, operators, OEMs, regulators, and engineering partners on complex technical and licensing matters.

- Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance engineering processes, methodologies, and tools, promoting a culture of innovation and excellence.

- Ensure accurate and comprehensive project documentation and oversee the preparation of detailed reports for senior management and regulatory bodies.

- Develop staff expertise in engineering areas, create development opportunities within and/or between disciplines and maintain depth at critical core competencies within engineering.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

- Exceptional leadership and team management skills.

- Proven project management expertise, with extensive experience in overseeing large, complex engineering projects

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

- Ability to facilitate and drive collaboration among various business areas

- Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, ambiguity and manage multiple competing priorities

- Subject matter expertise in nuclear reactor technologies, plant systems, and licensing processes.

- Ability to independently evaluate and challenge technical designs and assumptions

- Credibility to engage senior technical experts, executives, and governance bodies

- Ability to translate complex technical issues into clear, decision-relevant insights

- Strong advisory presence and ability to influence in high-stakes, regulated environments

- Excellent attention to detail

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education, Experience and Certifications

- Bachelor's degree required in Engineering

- Minimum 10 years of years of experience in nuclear engineering, including plant design, reactor systems, or licensing

- Minimum 3 years of people management experience

- Experience with plant design, reactor systems and/or licensing for major nuclear projects (new build or refurbishment)

- Licensed PE in NYS or ability to transfer PE license from another state within 12 months of start date

- Experience in utility sector, energy, and/or climate policy Experience advising senior leadership or boards on technical matters

Physical Requirements

Up to 10% travel primarily within NY State.

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $202,000 - $260,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.

NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email  accessibility@nypa.gov .