Senior Project Controls Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Project Controls Engineer is responsible for establishing and maintaining the project controls systems required to successfully develop AMPERA's next-generation nuclear microreactor technology. This position provides the analytical foundation for program execution by developing integrated schedules, cost estimates, resource forecasts, progress measurement systems, and management reporting across engineering, manufacturing, testing, licensing, and research activities.

Initially reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this individual will work closely with every functional leader within Operations to develop realistic execution plans and provide objective insight into program performance. As AMPERA's Program Management Office grows, this position is expected to become part of that organization.

This is a highly collaborative role requiring both strong technical project controls expertise and the ability to work with world-class engineers developing first-of-a-kind nuclear technologies.

Primary Responsibilities

Project Planning

Develop integrated master schedules for AMPERA's development programs using industry best practices.
Build detailed, resource-loaded schedules in collaboration with engineering and functional managers.
Establish logical relationships, milestones, critical paths, and schedule metrics.
Assist functional leaders in translating strategic objectives into executable project plans.
Support development of schedules required for executive reviews, investors, and government partners.

Cost Engineering

Develop bottom-up cost estimates for engineering development programs.
Create the initial cost model for AMPERA's supercritical CO₂ power conversion system.
Develop cost estimating methodologies for prototype development and future production programs.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
Track actual costs versus planned costs and identify emerging trends.

Program Controls

Develop project performance measurement systems.
Track progress against schedule, budget, and technical milestones.
Produce regular project status reports and executive dashboards.
Identify schedule risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Assist program managers and functional leaders with recovery planning when required.

Cross-Functional Coordination

Work closely with:

VP Engineering
VP Reactor Engineering
VP Manufacturing
Director, Testing & Qualification
Director, Quality Assurance
Director, Supply Chain
Director, Licensing & Regulatory Engagement
Director, Environment, Safety & Health
Director, Security

to establish realistic execution plans and monitor progress.

PMO Development

Assist in developing AMPERA's Project Management Office by helping establish:

scheduling standards
estimating standards
project reporting
project metrics
earned value methodology (where appropriate)
change management processes
project controls procedures
schedule coding structures
work breakdown structures (WBS)

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Engineering, Project Management, or related technical discipline.
7+ years of project controls experience supporting large technical or industrial programs.
Demonstrated experience developing integrated master schedules.
Experience developing bottom-up cost estimates.
Experience using Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
Strong Excel skills.
Excellent analytical and organizational abilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting nuclear, aerospace, defense, energy, semiconductor, or other highly regulated industries.
Experience supporting first-of-a-kind product development.
Familiarity with engineering development programs.
Experience with earned value management systems (EVMS).
Experience developing executive dashboards using Power BI or similar tools.
Experience supporting manufacturing startup programs.
PMP certification desirable.
PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional) certification desirable.
EVP certification desirable.

Desired Characteristics

The successful candidate will:

Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
Enjoy solving ambiguous problems.
Be highly organized without becoming bureaucratic.
Be comfortable working directly with senior technical leaders.
Possess exceptional attention to detail.
Challenge assumptions using objective data.
Balance discipline with pragmatism.
Be proactive rather than waiting for direction.
Have a continuous improvement mindset.

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