Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing AI tech-enabled startup in the nuclear and energy space, pioneering a fleet-scale approach to building the next generation of nuclear reactors. Through our design-once, build-many model, we're accelerating the deployment of safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy.

We operate with an AI-first mindset. Every employee is expected to leverage AI, technology, and the Nuclear Operating System (NOS) as integral components of their role to improve the quality, speed, and impact of their work. We expect every team member to continuously identify opportunities to automate workflows, enhance decision-making, improve processes, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of NOS as a strategic operating capability that enables The Nuclear Company to scale with excellence.

We hire people who are driven by purpose, thrive in ambiguity, and are energized by building what has never been built before. Our team combines intellectual curiosity with high agency, embraces candid feedback and continuous learning, and holds themselves and others to exceptional standards. Our values-Transparency, Responsibility, Unity, Scrappy, and Tenacity-guide how we hire, collaborate, and make decisions every day. They are not words on a wall; they are the standard by which we operate. TRUST is the foundation of our safety culture, fostering intellectual honesty, accountability, and open communication, while our values challenge every team member to execute with urgency, humility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.

About the role

The Engineering One Program is The Nuclear Company's early-career engineering program for exceptional graduating seniors who want to help build the next generation of nuclear infrastructure. 

We are hiring students graduating in Spring 2027 for full-time roles beginning in Summer 2027. 

Engineering One is designed for engineers who want more than a traditional entry-level position. Participants will work alongside experienced engineers, constructors, licensing professionals, project leaders, and Members of Nuclear Staff on real problems tied directly to the development and deployment of nuclear projects. 

The program provides broad exposure across the nuclear project lifecycle while building deep technical capability in an assigned discipline. Depending on your background and project needs, you may work across mechanical engineering, civil and structural engineering, construction and project delivery, nuclear licensing, systems engineering, or related technical functions. 

From your first day, you will be expected to learn quickly, ask good questions, work rigorously, and contribute to meaningful work. 

Responsibilities

Engineering One participants will typically begin in one of the following areas while gaining exposure to the broader nuclear project lifecycle. 

Mechanical Engineering 

You may contribute to: 

• Mechanical systems and equipment used in nuclear and conventional power facilities 
• Piping, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and rotating equipment 
• System design and engineering calculations 
• Equipment specifications and vendor technical evaluations 
• Piping and equipment layout 
• Thermal-hydraulic and mechanical analysis 
• Design reviews and interdisciplinary coordination 
• Equipment installation, testing, startup, and commissioning 
• ASME and other applicable mechanical codes and standards 

Civil / Structural Engineering 

You may contribute to: 

• Structural steel and reinforced concrete design 
• Foundations, anchorage, embedded items, and structural interfaces 
• Nuclear structures, systems, and components 
• Seismic and dynamic design considerations 
• Site development and geotechnical interfaces 
• Structural calculations and design reviews 
• Construction drawings and specifications 
• Constructability and modularization studies 
• ACI, AISC, ASCE, and applicable nuclear design requirements 

Construction & Project Delivery 

You may contribute to: 

• Construction planning and sequencing 
• Constructability reviews 
• Work packaging and field engineering 
• Site logistics and installation planning 
• Modularization and prefabrication strategies 
• Contractor and supplier coordination 
• Engineering-to-construction interfaces 
• RFIs, field changes, and technical issue resolution
• Quality, schedule, cost, and project controls 
• Testing, turnover, commissioning, and project closeout 

Nuclear Licensing & Regulatory 

You may contribute to: 

• Nuclear licensing strategy and regulatory analysis 
• Licensing basis development and requirements management 
• Preparation and review of regulatory submittals 
• NRC regulations, regulatory guides, and industry standards 
• Safety analysis and technical evaluations 
• Responses to regulatory questions and requests for additional information 
• Engineering-to-licensing interfaces 
• Regulatory research and precedent reviews 
• Development of technical positions supporting nuclear deployment 

Experience

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Construction Engineering, Engineering Management, or a closely related technical discipline. 
• Expected graduation between December 2026 and May 2027, with availability to begin full-time employment in Summer 2027. 
• Strong engineering fundamentals and demonstrated ability to solve technical problems. 
• Academic, internship, research, design-team, laboratory, construction, or project experience that demonstrates technical curiosity and initiative. 
• Ability to learn unfamiliar technical subjects quickly. 
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills. 
• Clear written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and with people from different technical backgrounds. 
• High attention to detail and respect for engineering rigor. 
• Willingness to ask questions, seek feedback, and take ownership of your development. 
• Comfort working in an environment with rapidly evolving priorities and significant individual responsibility. 
• Interest in nuclear energy, large-scale infrastructure, advanced engineering, or complex technical systems. 
• A bias toward action and a desire to see engineering work become something that is actually built. 

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 for this role is $80,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly 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.