Project Engineer or Geologist - Nuclear

S&ME•Raleigh, NC

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

S&ME is seeking an experienced engineer or geologist with an interest in providing technical expertise and project management skills supporting a variety of civil, environmental, and geotechnical projects in the nuclear sector, as well as projects in the Commercial, Industrial, and Energy markets. In support of high-profile nuclear projects, this position would also serve as a Project Quality Assurance Manager (PQAM) or Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) within the S&ME Nuclear Quality Assurance Program. Projects could include site selection and due diligence, field exploration, and/or construction quality assurance services supporting new nuclear facility permitting, licensing, and construction. Nuclear facilities generically include traditional light water reactors, small modular reactors, uranium enrichment facilities, and fuel fabrication facilities. This individual has the flexibility to be in Knoxville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Atlanta, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Columbus. As a project engineer or geologist, you will travel throughout our footprint, gaining hands-on experience on complex projects that will challenge your technical expertise, project management skills, and organizational abilities-all while working alongside industry-leading professionals. As a PQAM or QAR within the S&ME Nuclear Quality Assurance Program, you would collaborate closely with field staff, engineers, and clients to adhere to our Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) program while supporting the continued growth of the nuclear sector. You will develop, implement, and maintain QA program procedures and documentation in accordance with strict project and regulatory requirements. You will lead and coordinate QA efforts across multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders. You will conduct on-site audits, inspections, and assessments to ensure compliance with project specifications, quality standards, and regulatory expectations. You will lead or collaborate on off-site audits, inspections, and surveillances of subcontractors and vendors, including development of Commercial Grade Dedication plans. You will interface confidently with clients, regulators, and internal leadership in environments subject to continuous oversight and review. You will provide clear, accurate, and timely reporting on QA performance, risks, and corrective actions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental, construction, or related engineering field is a plus
5+ years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations, construction, and/or engineering projects
Experience with nuclear projects is a plus
Consulting experience is a plus
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to travel and work a rotational schedule: 10 days on / 4 days off during nuclear project duration (returning home between rotations)
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain
Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12+ hours)
Routinely lift and carry 40-50 lbs. of equipment and samples
Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements.
Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered.

Nice To Haves

An interest in providing technical expertise and project management skills supporting a variety of civil, environmental, and geotechnical projects in the nuclear sector, as well as projects in the Commercial, Industrial, and Energy markets.
Experience in the nuclear sector.
Experience as a Project Quality Assurance Manager (PQAM) or Quality Assurance Representative (QAR).
Experience with site selection and due diligence, field exploration, and/or construction quality assurance services supporting new nuclear facility permitting, licensing, and construction.
Experience with traditional light water reactors, small modular reactors, uranium enrichment facilities, and fuel fabrication facilities.
Motivated professional with a quality assurance background who is eager to either gain or advance their knowledge and experience in nuclear projects.
Willingness to support projects outside the nuclear sector as project workload demands.
Detail-oriented individual who enjoys traveling for extended periods of time and working non-traditional hours.
Ability to thrive in highly regulated and demanding project environments while maintaining exceptional quality and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

Field coordination of drilling operations to collect soil samples, monitoring drill rig efforts to obtain samples, classifying soils, and preparing boring logs.
In-depth data analysis and decision-making focused on project success.
Preparation of project proposals and reports to confirm that client expectations and needs are met.
Creating detailed reports with findings, insights, and recommendations for project development.
Providing project and client support by interacting effectively on project updates and engaging with leadership in business development events.
Collaborate closely with field staff, engineers, and clients to adhere to our Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) program while supporting the continued growth of the nuclear sector.
Develop, implement, and maintain QA program procedures and documentation in accordance with strict project and regulatory requirements.
Lead and coordinate QA efforts across multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
Conduct on-site audits, inspections, and assessments to ensure compliance with project specifications, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
Lead or collaborate on off-site audits, inspections, and surveillances of subcontractors and vendors, including development of Commercial Grade Dedication plans.
Interface confidently with clients, regulators, and internal leadership in environments subject to continuous oversight and review.
Provide clear, accurate, and timely reporting on QA performance, risks, and corrective actions.