Project Interface Lead – US

Blykalla

2d•$150,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are growing our US development team with an experienced Project Interface Lead. This role is central to ensuring that Blykalla builds the right contractor relationships, structures the right contracts, and maintains clear ownership of nuclear scope as we move from early design into construction. If you have a strong track record managing construction and contractor relationships on complex capital projects, and understand what it means to protect the owner's position in a nuclear program, we want to hear from you. What we do at Blykalla Blykalla is developing the next generation of nuclear technology with our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on innovative fuel, materials, and reactor designs. As Sweden's only SMR developer, we are on a mission to decarbonize industries and enable safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions. Our technology uses uranium nitride fuel and lead coolant, creating novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems. Our US development program, Fjäll, is building Blykalla's first reactor on American soil, targeting first criticality in 2027/2028 at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We are standing up this program from scratch, which means every hire matters and every role is foundational. Your assignment and mission As Project Interface Lead, you will own the owner-side contractor interface for the Fjäll program. Your primary mission is to develop Blykalla's construction contracting strategy, manage our relationships with civil and nuclear-adjacent contractors, and ensure that contractor scope packages are tightly defined, cost-disciplined, and properly bounded from nuclear quality requirements. Blykalla is still developing its contracting model – options range from traditional EPC arrangements to hybrid or phased approaches – and you will play a key role in shaping and implementing that strategy. This is a first-wave hire. You will build the contracting function from the ground up, work directly with the Program Director, and shape how Fjäll engages with its contractor ecosystem for the life of the program.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent.
Significant experience managing construction and contractor relationships on complex capital projects, preferably in the nuclear, energy, or industrial sectors. Experience with EPC contract structures is a meaningful advantage.
Experience in the nuclear industry is strongly preferred; experience in other highly regulated industries (oil and gas, aerospace, defense, large civil infrastructure) is considered.
Strong understanding of nuclear scope classification, NQA-1 / commercial grade dedication concepts, and how to manage nuclear/non-nuclear scope interfaces effectively.
Proven track record managing contractor relationships, preventing scope creep, and driving cost discipline in early-stage capital programs.
Familiarity with multiple contract structures, including T&M, LSTK, hybrid, and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) arrangements.
Ability to operate effectively in a founder-stage environment where program infrastructure is being built, not inherited.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable translating complex contractual and technical issues for executive and regulatory audiences.
US work authorization required.

Responsibilities

Develop and own Blykalla's construction contracting strategy, evaluating and recommending the right contracting model (e.g., EPC, hybrid, phased, or Early Contractor Involvement) based on program stage, risk appetite, and market conditions.
Lead early contractor engagement through Pre-FEED and FEED phases, including development of RFPs, contractor qualification criteria, and bid evaluation frameworks.
Manage day-to-day relationships with key civil and construction contractors, covering scheduling, performance oversight, cost tracking, and issue resolution.
Actively define and defend the boundary between nuclear and non-nuclear scope, preventing quality assurance classification creep from propagating into conventional contractor work.
Collaborate with the Engineering Manager and Swedish design team to translate reactor design requirements into contractor scope packages and technical specifications.
Support development and implementation of the program's QA strategy as it applies to construction contractor activities, including commercial grade dedication approaches.
Manage construction contracting cost estimates, change management, and contractor invoice oversight.
Develop and maintain contractor-specific risk register entries and mitigation plans; escalate emerging contractor risks to the Program Director.
Coordinate with the Site Development Lead on civil works and site infrastructure planning, ensuring civil contractor scope is properly allocated and sequenced.
Support the Program Director in contractor status reporting, budget tracking, and contractor governance reviews.