VP Engineering

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 a VP Engineering US 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 VP Engineering US, 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.

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.

Build and lead the US engineering team across key disciplines. Phase hiring in line with the project schedule and execution needs.

Act as the primary interface to the R&D organization. Maintain design intent, manage change control, and ensure alignment on technical decisions.

Provide engineering input to the DOE Authorization process (NSDA, PDSA, DSA). Ensure that engineering outputs meet US expectations for structure, rigor, and traceability.

Own engineering interfaces with INL, Oklo, and US partners. Represent engineering in technical discussions and ensure commitments are delivered.

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.

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…