Feeny
Alva Energy, Inc

Engineering Director at Alva Energy, Inc (Cambridge, MA)

Alva Energy, Inc· Cambridge, MA·

Role details

Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Full-Time
Skills
Power plant systems engineeringSteam cyclesPower conversion systemsSteam turbine plantsBalance-of-plant systemsNSSS modificationsEPC managementOwner's Engineer interactionTechnical specificationsDesign reviewsRFI managementConstruction support

Summary

Alva Energy seeks an Engineering Director to lead multi-discipline engineering delivery for nuclear power uprate projects. The role involves managing internal teams and EPC partners, overseeing design maturity from FEL-1 through field execution, and driving technical integration of power plant systems.

Job description

Alva Energy is developing a large nuclear power uprate projects. We are hiring an Engineering Director to report to the CTO and 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.
  • Work across balance-of-plant and NSSS modifications
  • 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.
  • 10-15 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.

Why work at Alva Energy, Inc

  • Culture: “Startup speed” combined with nuclear industry veterans. Emphasis on moving fast because the technology is proven, safe, and reliable.
  • Engineering focus: Roles span reactor engineering, steam turbine plants, digital controls, licensing, and DevOps – all working on real, grid‑scale projects.
  • Mission‑driven: Directly contribute to adding gigawatts of clean, always‑on power in years, not decades.
  • Work environment: Office likely based in Cambridge, MA (headquarters). Remote/hybrid policy not specified; company is in growth phase with multiple open engineering positions.
  • Notable perks: Opportunity to work with leaders who hold world records in nuclear construction; chance to innovate new methods for nuclear deployment (“design once, deploy many”).

Application questions