Project Engineer or Geologist - Nuclear

Project Engineer or Geologist - Nuclear

Requisition Number: 2026-2690-02

Interested in growing your nuclear experience while putting your engineering or geology background to work on challenging, high-profile projects? S&ME is seeking an experienced professional with a strong foundation in quality assurance to support our growing nuclear practice. You'll bring your technical and project management skills to civil, environmental, and geotechnical projects while also having opportunities to contribute across our Commercial, Industrial, and Energy markets.

Your work may include site selection, due diligence, field exploration, construction quality assurance, permitting, licensing, and construction support for a range of nuclear facilities. You may also serve as a Project Quality Assurance Manager (PQAM) or Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) within S&ME's Nuclear Quality Assurance Program.

This position offers flexibility to be based near Knoxville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Atlanta, Greenville-Spartanburg, or Columbus.

Build Your Career. Own Your Future.

At S&ME, you're more than just an employee; you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company that has been solving complex geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing challenges for over 50 years. We're invested in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands-on experience. Join a team that values safety, integrity, and teamwork while offering industry-leading benefits designed to help you thrive - on and off the job, including but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• Pet Insurance
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution & automatic enrollment, no matter your role
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs
• Credential Incentive Program - get rewarded for advancing your skills
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program
• Company Vehicle & Fuel Card - for project-based roles
• $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses - and more!

Your Role: Hands-On, Impactful, and Fast-Paced

As a project engineer or geologist, you will travel throughout our footprint, gaining hands-on experience on complex projects that will challenge your technical expertise, project management skills, and organizational abilities-all while working alongside industry-leading professionals. Responsibilities could include:

• Field coordination of drilling operations to collect soil samples, monitoring drill rig efforts to obtain samples, classifying soils, and preparing boring logs.
• In-depth data analysis and decision-making focused on project success.
• Preparation of project proposals and reports to confirm client expectations and needs are met.
• Creating detailed reports with findings, insights, and recommendations for project development.
• Providing project and client support by interacting effectively on project updates and engaging with leadership in business development events.

As a PQAM or QAR within the S&ME Nuclear Quality Assurance Program, you would:

• Collaborate closely with field staff, engineers, and clients to adhere to our Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) program while supporting the continued growth of the nuclear sector.
• Develop, implement, and maintain QA program procedures and documentation in accordance with strict project and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and coordinate QA efforts across multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Conduct on-site audits, inspections, and assessments to ensure compliance with project specifications, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Lead or collaborate on off-site audits, inspections, and surveillance of subcontractors and vendors, including development of Commercial Grade Dedication plans.
• Interface confidently with clients, regulators, and internal leadership in environments subject to continuous oversight and review.
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely reporting on QA performance, risks, and corrective actions.

What We're Looking For:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental, construction, or a related engineering field is a plus
• 5+ years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations, construction, and/or engineering projects
  • Experience with nuclear projects is a plus
  • Consulting experience is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to travel and work a rotational schedule: 10 days on / 4 days off during nuclear project duration (returning home between rotations)
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12+ hours)
• Routinely lift and carry 40-50 lbs. of equipment and samples

Why Join Us?

At S&ME, your career growth matters; you matter. You'll receive professional training, mentorship, and support to work on challenging projects and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. Every employee benefits from our employee-ownership program, no matter your role. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry.

Ready to Get Started? Apply today and take the first step toward an exciting future with S&ME!

Third Party Staffing Agency Policy:

No agency, recruiter, or search firm may submit candidate information to S&ME without a current written agreement and prior authorization from S&ME Talent Acquisition. Unsolicited submissions are deemed non-confidential and non-proprietary and will not create any contractual obligation, candidate ownership rights, referral rights, placement rights, or fee liability. S&ME expressly rejects any terms and conditions included with unsolicited submissions and reserves the unrestricted right to recruit, hire, or engage any candidate without compensation to the submitting party.

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.