Program Director of Strategic Initiatives in Nuclear Engineering

Job Posting Title:

Program Director of Strategic Initiatives in Nuclear Engineering

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Hiring Department:

Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

As a top-10 engineering school, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. 

The Nuclear and Radiation Engineering (NRE) area within the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering includes six faculty, along with researchers and students, in the study and application of nuclear and radiation engineering, including imaging, robotics, high-performance computing, reactor design and materials development.  The groups provide a supportive community striving to solve the most pressing challenges of the 21st century through world class research, unsurpassed student education, and dedicated service to the community.

The Digital Molten Salt Reactor Initiative (D’MSRI) is a program funded by the state of Texas to develop a long-term research program at UT that centers on the use of digital twins to enable the licensing of innovations for advanced reactors in Texas.  This project includes a suite of initiatives that include the development of digital twins for physical systems at many institutions, development of high-fidelity, multiphysics software that models advanced reactors, economic and policy drivers that may be implemented at the state and national level to encourage innovation in advanced reactors, and business development to engage with the nuclear industry to enable them to recognize the value of digital twins.  Through the efforts and successes of D’MSRI, there are several potential major initiatives (>$4M) associated with development of the nuclear workforce.

Purpose

The Director of Strategic Initiatives in Nuclear Engineering position includes responsibilities associated with business and proposal development, external outreach, and workforce development associated with major initiatives that derive from D’MSRI. 

Responsibilities

Business and Proposal Development

• Serve as the primary point of contact for engagement with the nuclear industry, fostering strategic relationships and identifying collaborative opportunities to Pursue additional funding opportunities related to the program’s mission
• Lead the development of comprehensive business plans that align with institutional goals and industry needs, including crafting detailed scopes of work, establishing realistic timelines, and defining budgets and milestones for major initiatives focused on nuclear reactors and digital twin technologies. These efforts are critical to advancing the mission of the Digital Molten Salt Reactor Initiative (D’MSRI) and related projects.

External Outreach

• Proactive engagement with senior leadership across the university, including the President’s Office, the Vice President for Research, and the Dean’s Office, ensuring alignment of D’MSRI and its derivative projects with institutional priorities and secure administrative support.
• Represent the Nuclear and Radiation Engineering (NRE) program, D’MSRI, and associated initiatives at the state and federal levels, including the State Legislature, Governor’s Office, and relevant agencies. Public representation is also a key component, with responsibilities including participation in industry events, professional conferences, and public forums to promote the program’s vision and achievements.

Project Leadership in Nuclear Workforce Development

• Design and implement public engagement and workforce development programs and lead those activities once funded. These initiatives will be funded through successful proposals and derivative projects stemming from D’MSRI, and will be developed in collaboration with the UT Energy Institute and the Kay Bailey Hutchison (KBH) Center.
• Guide participating institutions toward successful outcomes and ensure that progress and achievements are effectively communicated to stakeholders, thereby reinforcing the value and impact of the program.