We are growing our US development team with an experienced Project Interface Lead. This role is central to ensuring that Blykalla builds the right contractor relationships, structures the right contracts, and maintains clear ownership of nuclear scope as we move from early design into construction. If you have a strong track record managing construction and contractor relationships on complex capital projects, and understand what it means to protect the owner's position in a nuclear program, we want to hear from you.

What we do at Blykalla

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 uses uranium nitride fuel and lead coolant, creating novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems.

Our US development program, Fjäll, is building Blykalla's first reactor on American soil, targeting first criticality in 2027/2028 at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We are standing up this program from scratch, which means every hire matters and every role is foundational.

Your assignment and mission

As Project Interface Lead, you will own the owner-side contractor interface for the Fjäll program. Your primary mission is to develop Blykalla's construction contracting strategy, manage our relationships with civil and nuclear-adjacent contractors, and ensure that contractor scope packages are tightly defined, cost-disciplined, and properly bounded from nuclear quality requirements. Blykalla is still developing its contracting model – options range from traditional EPC arrangements to hybrid or phased approaches – and you will play a key role in shaping and implementing that strategy.

This is a first-wave hire. You will build the contracting function from the ground up, work directly with the Program Director, and shape how Fjäll engages with its contractor ecosystem for the life of the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own Blykalla's construction contracting strategy, evaluating and recommending the right contracting model (e.g., EPC, hybrid, phased, or Early Contractor Involvement) based on program stage, risk appetite, and market conditions.

• Lead early contractor engagement through Pre-FEED and FEED phases, including development of RFPs, contractor qualification criteria, and bid evaluation frameworks.

• Manage day-to-day relationships with key civil and construction contractors, covering scheduling, performance oversight, cost tracking, and issue resolution.

• Actively define and defend the boundary between nuclear and non-nuclear scope, preventing quality assurance classification creep from propagating into conventional contractor work.

• Collaborate with the Engineering Manager and Swedish design team to translate reactor design requirements into contractor scope packages and technical specifications.

• Support development and implementation of the program's QA strategy as it applies to construction contractor activities, including commercial grade dedication approaches.

• Manage construction contracting cost estimates, change management, and contractor invoice oversight.

• Develop and maintain contractor-specific risk register entries and mitigation plans; escalate emerging contractor risks to the Program Director.

• Coordinate with the Site Development Lead on civil works and site infrastructure planning, ensuring civil contractor scope is properly allocated and sequenced.

• Support the Program Director in contractor status reporting, budget tracking, and contractor governance reviews.

Who you are

You will be part of a small, high-ownership team in the early stages of building something significant. We value directness, technical depth, and the ability to operate effectively in an environment where the structures are still being built. There are a few things we think will help you succeed in this role:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent.

• Significant experience managing construction and contractor relationships on complex capital projects, preferably in the nuclear, energy, or industrial sectors. Experience with EPC contract structures is a meaningful advantage.

• Experience in the nuclear industry is strongly preferred; experience in other highly regulated industries (oil and gas, aerospace, defense, large civil infrastructure) is considered.

• Strong understanding of nuclear scope classification, NQA-1 / commercial grade dedication concepts, and how to manage nuclear/non-nuclear scope interfaces effectively.

• Proven track record managing contractor relationships, preventing scope creep, and driving cost discipline in early-stage capital programs.

• Familiarity with multiple contract structures, including T&M, LSTK, hybrid, and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) arrangements.

• Ability to operate effectively in a founder-stage environment where program infrastructure is being built, not inherited.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable translating complex contractual and technical issues for executive and regulatory audiences.

• US work authorization required.

Location

This position is based in Austin, TX, with regular travel to Idaho National Laboratory (Idaho Falls, ID).

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role.

Base salary: $150,000–$200,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and background

In addition, you can expect:

• Equity participation

• Comprehensive benefits through Deel, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k)

So, what do you think?

Joining our team means being part of a pioneering effort to build the first advanced lead-cooled SMR in the United States. You will work at the intersection of nuclear technology, complex contracting, and program execution – with direct impact on one of the most ambitious clean energy projects underway. If you are ready to build something that matters, apply now.

Note: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are an equal-opportunity employer

Locations

USA