Project Leader – Safety System Modernization Technical Proposals; Nuclear I&C

Why This Role Is Critical

We are seeking a Project Leader to guide and fully own the development of technical proposals and bid packages for safety system modernization projects in the nuclear I&C sector. This role connects engineering, product teams, and commercial functions to build solutions based on our standard digital I&C products and tailor them to customer modernization needs.

The Project Leader is responsible for the entire bid cycle – capturing requirements, shaping the solution architecture, developing costs and pricing inputs, and preparing a complete, high-quality proposal. This person will help position the business to win by ensuring our proposals are technically sound, aligned with regulatory expectations, and responsive to customer needs. The role also includes training and developing bid managers so they can become highly capable proposal leaders over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the full technical proposal and bid development process. Act as the main point of accountability for all proposal deliverables, schedules, risks, and gate reviews.
• Develop and manage the proposal work plan and ensure alignment with internal stakeholders. Review customer specifications, RFPs, and technical requirements to clearly define scope and expectations.
• Work with customers, account managers, and subject matter experts to clarify details and resolve ambiguities.
• Identify key assumptions, gaps, deviations, and compliance positions early in the process.
• Translate customer needs into system concepts using our portfolio of standard safety-class I&C products.
• Partner with engineering teams to confirm the technical soundness, feasibility, and licensing readiness of proposed configurations.
• Balance the use of standardized modules with customer-specific solution needs.
• Develop the technical cost basis, including equipment, engineering hours, testing, and project execution needs.
• Work with Finance and Commercial teams to refine pricing strategies and explore cost optimization options.
• Identify technical and execution risks and incorporate mitigation strategies into the proposal.
• Prepare clear, well-structured proposal documents, including:
  • Technical solution descriptions
  • Architecture diagrams
  • Compliance and requirements matrices
  • Execution plans and schedules
  • Bills of Material (BOM)
  • Basis of cost and scope
• Ensure all materials meet customer requirements and internal quality expectations.
• Coordinate inputs from Product Management, Engineering, Licensing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales.
• Lead internal reviews and approval workflows throughout the proposal process.
• Support the commercial team in customer meetings, technical Q&A, and bid clarifications. Train, coach, and mentor bid managers to strengthen their technical proposal capabilities.
• Develop playbooks, templates, and best practices to help bid managers become experts in safety I&C modernization proposals. Provide ongoing guidance and oversight to ensure consistent quality, rigor, and alignment across all bids.
• Improve templates, cost models, and standard solution approaches to reduce bid cycle time and improve consistency.
• Capture lessons learned from each proposal to strengthen future bids.
• Contribute to developing standardized modernization packages and repeatable system architectures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in nuclear I&C, digital safety systems, system engineering, or modernization programs.
• Strong understanding of digital safety-class platforms, system architectures, and relevant nuclear regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical proposals or system design efforts.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills across technical and commercial teams.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior or mid-level team members.

Additional preferred skills:

• Experience with safety-related digital I&C modernization (e.g., RPS, ESFAS, or plant safety system upgrades).
• Familiarity with configurable standard product lines and platform-based system design.
• PMP or similar certification.
• Experience supporting utility customers, EPC firms, or nuclear OEMs.

• Salary: $130,000 - $176,000and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional…