Blykalla is working toward deploying its first reactor in the United States, with planned activities connected to Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We are looking for an Engineering Manager to build and lead our US engineering team and enable execution of Blykalla’s reference design in the US context.
This is a first-of-a-kind project at an early stage. You will be the person who makes Blykalla’s reference design actually work in the US — technically, regulatorily, and organizationally.
Our US program, Fjäll, targets first criticality in 2027, with full power by 2029–31. We are building this from the ground up — every hire is foundational.
As Engineering Manager, you will lead the US engineering team and ensure that Blykalla’s reference design is executed in the US program. You act as the US engineering lead within the program, working closely with Blykalla’s R&D organization to preserve design intent while enabling practical execution in the US.
You report to the VP of Engineering, with a dotted line to the Head of US Project Development in Austin.
US Engineering Execution
Own the engineering needed to execute Blykalla’s reference design in the US. Ensure that design and R&D are turned into deliverables that can be built, installed, and operated in the US program. Identify gaps early and drive resolution.
Team Build-Up
Build and lead the US engineering team across key disciplines. Phase hiring in line with the project schedule and execution needs.
R&D Organization Interface
Act as the primary interface to the R&D organization. Maintain design intent, manage change control, and ensure alignment on technical decisions.
Licensing Support
Provide engineering input to the DOE Authorization process (NSDA, PDSA, DSA). Ensure that engineering outputs meet US expectations for structure, rigor, and traceability.
External Interfaces
Own engineering interfaces with INL, Oklo, and US partners. Represent engineering in technical discussions and ensure commitments are delivered.
Codes & Standards Alignment
Ensure that engineering outputs are aligned with relevant US codes and standards (e.g., ASME BPVC, ANSI/ANS, ASCE, IEEE) and QA expectations (NQA-1). Support the adaptation of Blykalla’s reference design to meet US regulatory and industry requirements.
Establish gaps between Blykalla’s reference design and US execution needs, and deliver a first engineering package or gap closure.
Build the US engineering hiring plan aligned with project milestones, and hire the first 1–2 key engineers.
Define the US–R&D organization operating model.
Establish key interfaces (R&D organization and US partners).
Identify top execution risks and mitigation pathways.
We’re looking for someone who can lead, build, and bridge.
10+ years of engineering experience from highly regulated industries (e.g., oil & gas, nuclear), including experience with US nuclear.
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Experience working across organizations and geographies.
Strong understanding of engineering execution in complex projects.
Relevant engineering degree.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to operate in a build-phase organization.
US work authorization.
Experience with US nuclear codes and standards (ASME, ANSI/ANS, etc.).
Familiarity with DOE Authorization / 10 CFR 830.
Experience with advanced reactors or FOAK programs.
If you’re not sure you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
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 lead coolant, creating novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems.
Our US development program, Fjäll, is working toward deploying Blykalla’s first reactor in the United States, targeting first criticality in 2027. We are standing up this program from scratch, which means every hire matters and every role is foundational.
Austin, TX. Occasional travel to Stockholm, Sweden.
We offer a competitive compensation package reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role.
Base salary: $170,000–$220,000 annually, depending on experience and background.
In addition, you can expect:
Equity participation
Comprehensive benefits through Deel, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k)
The salary range reflects our target band for Austin. The final offer will be determined based on qualifications.
Joining our team means being part of a pioneering effort to deploy the first advanced lead-cooled SMR in the United States. You will lead US engineering at the intersection of advanced reactor design, US codes and standards, and DOE Authorization — and build the team that delivers it.
If you are ready to build something that matters, apply now.
We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace free from discrimination. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background makes us better — and we encourage everyone to apply.
We do not accept applications via email.
Blykalla is on a mission to change the energy future of the world, by providing green, safe, baseload energy through next generation small modular lead-cooled reactors.
Blykalla is a Swedish deep-tech company founded in 2013 by Janne Wallenius, Peter Szakalos and Jesper Ejenstam as a spin-off from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where Janne Wallenius carried out research on design and safety analysis on lead-cooled reactor systems since 1996.
We develop and build lead-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs) to deliver safe, scalable and carbon-free baseload power supply. Thanks to lead-cooling, we achieve high safety in a very compact format, allowing for a simple and cost effective design that can be mass produced. Our unique reactor design will provide safe and green baseload energy that is a perfect complement to solar and wind power.
