Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 21 hours ago
Regulatory Affairs Lead
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Regulatory Affairs Lead who ensures alignment with DOE, NRC, and other nuclear reactor regulatory requirements while managing licensing and safety basis development in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The role involves developing regulatory strategies, supervising a team, and engaging with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and safety.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop and implement risk-informed, performance-based regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with DOE, NRC, and other applicable nuclear reactor and nuclear facility regulations
Ensure adherence to Facility Safety under DOE O 420.1C, Safety in Design under DOE-STD-1189-2016, reactor safety following the General Design Criteria under NRC’s 10 CFR 50 Appendix A as well as other applicable codes and standards
Maintain awareness of evolving nuclear reactor regulatory requirements and guidance documents, especially for advanced reactor risk-informed, performance-based approaches, and integrate updates into project processes as appropriate
Coordinate safety analysis and probabilistic risk assessment with Nuclear Reactor Analysis team
Coordinate regulatory reviews, approvals, and project milestones
Lead hazards analysis and mitigation activities
Coordinate safety strategy with the Nuclear Facility Safety Division
Lead environmental compliance activities
Serve as the primary project regulatory liaison with DOE, NRC, state, and other agencies
Facilitate meetings, inspections, and audits with regulatory bodies
Ensure accurate and timely reporting to oversight agencies
Work collaboratively with nuclear safety staff, researchers, and support personnel from across ORNL in the development, review, submittal for approval, and maintenance of safety basis documents, including an amended safety basis for HFIR
Oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory documentation
Maintain accurate records in accordance with regulatory requirements
Identify regulatory risks and develop mitigation strategies
Respond to regulatory inquiries and ensure corrective actions are implemented
Develop and lead a team of direct reports as well as matrixed staff
Promote a team approach where individual expertise is recognized and employed
Provide mentoring, training, and oversight to regulatory affairs personnel
Foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement
Facilitate and sustain a strong nuclear safety culture and takes positive actions to address nuclear safety concerns
Provide clear and accurate communication to all levels of management, staff, and stakeholders
Develop clear and concise presentation materials that assist in the timely delivery of project messaging
Participate and present project information at reviews, conferences, and workshops
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success
Qualification
Required
A BS degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field with 12+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience
Experience in nuclear reactor regulatory compliance and alignment with nuclear reactor safety analysis with a nuclear regulatory body and/or within the nuclear industry
Expertise in DOE and/or NRC nuclear reactor regulations, licensing, and safety basis development
Experience in nuclear reactor regulatory engagement, audits, and compliance strategies
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
Preferred
An MS degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
Experience with DOE nuclear facility upgrades and safety analysis
Knowledge of environmental compliance regulations
Familiarity with hazard analysis and risk mitigation strategies
Benefits
Medical and retirement plans
Flexible work hours
On-site fitness
Banking
Cafeteria facilities
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
401(k) Retirement Plan
Contributory Pension Plan
Life Insurance
Disability Benefits
Generous Vacation and Holidays
Parental Leave
Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
Employee Assistance Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
Wellness Programs
Educational Assistance
Employee Discounts
Relocation Assistance
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Division Director, National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brett Ellis
Division Director - Research Computing Support
Recent News
2026-01-17
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