Construction Manager

Blykalla

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

Blykalla is building its first reactor in the United States at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the US Department of Energy's leading nuclear research site. The company is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to define and own how it engages with contractors and shapes its construction strategy as it moves from early design into execution. This is a rare opportunity to join a first-of-a-kind nuclear project at an early stage where every decision will define how safe, high-quality infrastructure is delivered to support one of the most ambitious clean energy builds underway. The US program, Fjäll, is targeting first criticality in 2027/2028 and is backed by ~EUR 50M in funding. This program is being built from the ground up, making every hire foundational. As Construction Manager, the individual will own the contracting strategy and contractor interface for the Fjäll program from the owner’s side, ensuring the right contractors are engaged, contracts protect the owner’s position, and scope packages are clearly defined, cost-disciplined, and aligned with nuclear quality requirements. This is a first-wave hire, meaning the individual will build the contracting function from the ground up, work directly with the Program Director, and shape how Fjäll engages with contractors for the life of the program. Blykalla is developing the next generation of nuclear technology with its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on innovative fuel, materials, and reactor designs, aiming to decarbonize industries and enable safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions. The technology uses uranium nitride fuel and lead coolant, presenting novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems. Joining the team means being part of a pioneering effort to build the first advanced lead-cooled SMR in the United States at one of the DOE's most significant research sites, working at the intersection of nuclear technology, complex contracting, and construction execution, with real impact on project delivery.

Requirements

Significant experience managing construction and contractors on complex capital projects
Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Construction Management, or similar
Strong commercial understanding of contract structures (EPC, ECI, LSTK, T&M, etc.)
Proven ability to control scope, costs, and execution in early-stage programs
Comfortable operating in a build-from-scratch, founder-stage environment
Strong communication skills, able to translate complex issues for executive and regulatory audiences
US work authorization

Nice To Haves

Experience in nuclear or other highly regulated industries (e.g. oil & gas, aerospace, defense, large infrastructure)
Familiarity with nuclear scope classification, NQA-1, and commercial grade dedication

Responsibilities

Define and lead the construction contracting strategy, selecting the right model (EPC, hybrid, phased, or ECI) based on risk, project stage, and execution goals.
Lead early contractor engagement across Pre-FEED and FEED, including RFPs, qualification, bid evaluation, and ongoing contractor management.
Define and enforce nuclear vs. non-nuclear scope boundaries, prevent QA classification creep, and oversee commercial grade dedication for construction scope.
Partner with Engineering and Program Leadership to translate design requirements into clear, executable contractor scopes aligned with the schedule.
Own cost estimates, change control, and contractor invoices. Maintain risk registers and escalate key risks to the Program Director.