Associate General Counsel, Nuclear Regulatory

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the role: 

The Nuclear Company is seeking an experienced General Counsel to provide legal guidance across corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters. This role will partner with leadership, engineering, and business development teams to structure, negotiate, and execute transactions that enable the deployment of advanced nuclear technology. The Assistant General Counsel, Nuclear Regulatory, will provide legal counsel on matters related to nuclear regulatory compliance, licensing, and interactions with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other relevant agencies. This role will be instrumental in guiding the company’s regulatory strategy, ensuring compliance with nuclear laws and regulations, and supporting the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support on corporate, transactional, and commercial matters, including contract drafting, negotiation, and risk assessment. 
• Advise leadership on U.S. nuclear regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidance. 
• Support the preparation, submission, and defense of NRC licensing applications, amendments, and correspondence. 
• Develop and implement regulatory strategies to enable reactor design, siting, construction, and operation. 
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, particularly within the energy and nuclear sectors. 
• Manage regulatory engagement, including NRC meetings, audits, and inspections. 
• Draft, review, and interpret regulatory filings, rulemakings, and policy documents. 
• Monitor evolving nuclear regulatory and legislative developments and advise on potential impacts to the business. 
• Represent the company in regulatory and industry forums, working groups, and stakeholder engagements. 
• Manage external counsel relationships effectively to balance cost and quality. 
• Contribute to the development of company policies, governance practices, and risk management processes. 
• Support intellectual property strategy, licensing, and related commercial agreements as needed. 
• Provide timely, business-oriented legal advice to leadership and staff across all levels of the organization. 

Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school. 
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction in good standing. 
• 6+ years of relevant legal experience, ideally within a law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency. 
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements. 
• 6+ years of legal experience with a strong focus on nuclear regulatory law. 
• Demonstrated experience working with or before the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 
• Knowledge of 10 CFR regulations, licensing processes, and nuclear safety/security requirements. 
• Familiarity with NEPA, DOE, EPA, and related federal/state regulatory frameworks. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear business guidance. 
• Experience advising on regulatory compliance programs for nuclear or energy infrastructure projects. 
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across technical and business functions in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred Experience:

• Prior legal or regulatory experience with a nuclear energy company, reactor vendor, or NRC. 
• Involvement in new reactor licensing, Part 50/52 applications, or advanced reactor frameworks. 
• Exposure to export controls, nonproliferation, and international nuclear regulatory regimes. 
• Experience supporting licensing hearings, adjudicatory proceedings, or rulemaking petitions. 
• Nuclear licensing, regulatory, or compliance background. 
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs) and long-term energy supply contracts. 
• Project finance transactions, including debt and equity structures. 
• Energy product commercialization or infrastructure development. 
• Prior in-house counsel experience at a growth-stage or energy-focused company. 

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range: 

The estimated starting salary range for this role is $176,000 - $204,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a semi-monthly basis.  The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement:

The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.