Assistant General Counsel - Nuclear

Job Summary
This position serves as the lead attorney for all legal and regulatory matters related to nuclear energy within a vertically integrated electric utility's generation portfolio. The role supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of existing nuclear facilities and provides legal guidance for the licensing, permitting, and development of new nuclear projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in nuclear regulatory law and a strong understanding of utility operations and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as primary legal counsel for nuclear generation operations, ensuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations and other applicable laws.
• Advise on legal and regulatory matters related to the siting, permitting, and construction of new nuclear facilities and SMRs.
• Provide legal support for NRC licensing activities, including renewals and amendments.
• Support litigation involving plant operations, spent fuel claims, and employee-related matters, including employee concerns programs.
• Offer legal guidance on nuclear export control issues under NRC (Part 110), National Nuclear Security Administration (Part 810), and Department of Commerce regulations.
• Assist with contracting matters, including service agreements, staff augmentation, warranty claims, disputes, and nuclear fuel procurement.
• Monitor and interpret changes in nuclear regulatory law and policy, advising internal stakeholders on compliance strategies.
• Support interactions with federal and state regulatory bodies, including the NRC, DOE, EPA, and public utility commissions.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as operations, engineering, environmental, and regulatory affairs to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Draft and review legal documents including contracts, regulatory filings, internal policies, and compliance reports.
• Provide legal training and guidance on nuclear regulatory and compliance matters.

Qualifications
Education:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Bachelor's degree required

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years practicing law, with at least 5 years focused on nuclear-related legal matters
• Experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, or regulatory agency (e.g., NRC or DOE) preferred

Licensing:

• Active license to practice law in the relevant state (e.g., Ohio or Michigan), or eligibility to practice in a corporate legal capacity

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of the Atomic Energy Act, NRC regulations, and other laws governing nuclear energy
• Familiarity with NRC licensing processes and utility regulatory frameworks, including rate recovery and cost prudency
• Experience advising electric utilities with nuclear generation assets, including contracting, fuel procurement, and spent fuel issues