Project Development Engineer

Blue Energy•Chevy Chase, MD

About The Position

Blue Energy’s mission is to unlock energy abundance, energy affordability, energy security, and turn-key decarbonization by developing the fastest path to deploying new nuclear MWs at scale. We are utilizing shipyard manufacturing supply chains and techniques from offshore oil and wind to reduce the cost of nuclear plants by over 60% and the manufacturing timeline to 24 months. Blue Energy is a platform technology that makes use of the latest NRC-approved reactors and is in negotiations with existing nuclear and industrial sites, enabling a much faster regulatory pathway to deploy our first unit. With our innovative centralized shipyard manufacturing approach, we can put nuclear power on a cost-reduction learning curve akin to wind, solar, and lithium-ion batteries. The Project Development Engineer will support the technical and regulatory development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) sites and their associated supporting infrastructure, including gas turbine systems that complement the nuclear BOP. The role spans site assessment, conceptual design, permitting, and interconnection planning, ensuring projects are technically feasible, cost-effective, and compliant.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Energy Engineering
3–5+ years of experience in nuclear power, CCGT and energy infrastructure project development/engineering.
Knowledge of transmission interconnection, gas distribution systems and water supply infrastructure.
Familiarity with nuclear, CCGT and energy infrastructure permitting, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Proficiency in CAD, GIS, and engineering modeling software.

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred
Experience with SMR technology and supporting energy infrastructure (e.g., gas pipelines, HV Transmission) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct site evaluation and feasibility studies for SMR projects and supporting gas infrastructure.
Build out and manage design parameter standards for Blue Energy plant designs. Create a manual that all employees can look to for standard inputs during the early-stage development engineering process.
Assist in preparing RFP responses.
Develop conceptual site layouts, plant configurations, and preliminary designs for SMR projects.
Evaluate civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements, including generator tie-ins, switchyards, water supply and interconnection to the grid.
Conceptual Design and assessment of supporting gas infrastructure, including pipelines, valves, and interconnections.
Prepare preliminary/ROM cost estimates, capital expenditure models, and constructability reviews.
Support initial energy infrastructure permitting efforts and Red Flag Reviews.
Collaborate with regulators, utilities, and stakeholders to address technical, permitting, and operational requirements.
Coordinate with transmission owners and utilities on SMR / gas generator tie lines, substations, and grid interconnection studies.
Ensure gas infrastructure design meets operational, safety, and regulatory standards.
Become proficient in behind the meter vs front of the meter connection and work with Commercial team on ideal connection for projects in the Blue Energy pipeline.
Prepare engineering reports, technical memoranda, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Identify engineering, constructability, site logistics and transportation, operational, and regulatory risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Support internal decision making on whether to pursue a site opportunity.
Interact as necessary with local experts and potential sponsors to understand potential risks and opportunities for the project in each particular location