Alva Energy is developing a 250 MWe steam turbine power plant and delivering innovative power-conversion solutions that accelerate nuclear power uprate project execution. We are hiring an Engineering Director to lead engineering from early-stage screening through design maturity and field execution, owning multi-discipline integration, EPC performance, major equipment technical direction, and stakeholder coordination.
This role blends power plant systems leadership with project engineering/program leadership. You’ll manage both the internal Alva engineering team and external engineering contractors/EPC partners, and you’ll interface directly with site owners and key OEMs/suppliers.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead multi-discipline engineering delivery: coordinate mechanical, electrical/I&C, civil/structural engineering.
Own plant power integration: lead system design for modifications and tie-ins to the existing plant.
Manage EPCs and engineering contractors: define scopes, interfaces, and deliverables; run design/progress reviews; oversee technical performance, RFIs, design changes, and issue resolution.
Drive stage-gated engineering maturity: lead engineering maturity from FEL-1 through FEL-3 (or 30/60/90%), setting deliverables, quality criteria, and gate reviews.
Develop specs and review technical deliverables: draft/review engineering standards, technical specifications, and contract scopes for EPC and major equipment.
Own major equipment technical direction: develop technical specifications for steam turbines, condensers, and feedwater/condensate systems; conduct technical evaluations of vendor proposals and designs.
Translate engineering into field execution: support construction-ready work packaging and execution plans; provide engineering support during construction, commissioning, and startup.
Build and lead the team: hire, onboard, mentor, and grow Alva’s engineering function; improve standards, tools, and operating cadence for project delivery.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, Industrial, Petroleum, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, or related engineering discipline.
8+ years of experience in power plant systems engineering and/or leading engineering on large power or process-industry projects with significant EPC or Owner’s Engineer interaction.
Extensive knowledge of steam cycles and power conversion systems; strong understanding of steam turbine plants and major BOP systems.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills; willingness to travel up to ~25% to sites and suppliers.
Experience managing engineering teams across multiple disciplines, including leading both internal engineers and external contractors/EPC partners.
Background in a hard-tech startup taking complex systems from 0→1 (concept to first deployment).
Engineering leadership in oil & gas, petrochemicals, refining, LNG, or conventional power generation environments with high rigor around safety, codes, and execution.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, Industrial, Petroleum, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, or related engineering discipline
- 8+ years of experience in power plant systems engineering or large power projects
- Extensive knowledge of steam cycles and power conversion systems
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience managing engineering teams across multiple disciplines
- Background in a hard-tech startup from concept to deployment
- Engineering leadership in oil & gas, petrochemicals, LNG, or conventional power generation
What We Do
Alva Energy is on a mission to lead the fastest, most affordable nuclear power deployment in history. As the first independent nuclear project management and delivery organization, we're transforming how nuclear projects are executed, bringing unprecedented speed and efficiency to nuclear energy deployment.
