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Assistant General Counsel, Construction & Capital Projects (EPC)

Columbia, SC

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the role 

We are seeking a skilled Assistant General Counsel, Construction & Capital Projects (EPC) to serve as the legal lead for major infrastructure contracting efforts—including engineering, procurement, construction, and project delivery. This role will be a key advisor to our development, engineering, and project execution teams as we move from design into site selection, contracting, and large-scale buildout.

You will lead legal strategy and negotiation for our construction, equipment supply, and capital project agreements, including EPC and EPCM contracts, critical subcontracts, long-lead procurement, and change management frameworks. You’ll also support claims mitigation, contractor oversight, and interface with external counsel as needed.

Responsibilities

Contract Structuring & Negotiation

  • Lead legal strategy, drafting, and negotiation of EPC/EPCM, design-build, equipment supply, and construction management contracts.

  • Develop and implement contracting models aligned with risk allocation, schedule discipline, and performance guarantees.

  • Advise on structuring of JV or alliance models, including design-build-operate or consortium structures where applicable.

Project Execution & Risk Management

  • Serve as a legal advisor to project management, construction, and engineering leads on contract execution and compliance.

  • Provide legal input on claims avoidance, dispute resolution procedures, and contractual remedies during project lifecycle.

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to manage change orders, delay claims, terminations, and contractor disputes.

Procurement & Supply Chain Support

  • Review and negotiate major equipment supply agreements, long-lead orders, and logistics terms.

  • Support procurement and vendor onboarding processes in alignment with regulatory and internal compliance standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Coordinate closely with finance, insurance, licensing, and development teams to ensure legal alignment across the capital project lifecycle.

  • Provide legal input on project financing structures, performance securities, parent guarantees, and lien management.

Governance & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, construction standards, and nuclear regulatory frameworks.

  • Help develop and maintain internal construction contracting playbooks and risk allocation policies.

Experience

Required

  • J.D. from an accredited law school and active license to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

  • 8+ years of experience with large-scale infrastructure or energy projects, including direct experience drafting and negotiating EPC or similar contracts.

  • In-house counsel or law firm background advising on construction and project delivery models.

  • Strong familiarity with AIA, FIDIC, or similar industry-standard contract forms.

Preferred

  • Experience with nuclear, utility-scale energy, data centers, industrial process plants, or other regulated, complex project types.

  • Understanding of project finance, performance security instruments, and owner-contractor dynamics.

  • Prior exposure to DOE, NRC, or FERC-regulated environments.

  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup or high-growth company.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation packages
  • 401k with company match
  • Medical, dental, vision plans
  • Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $178,000 - $204,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, be paid in 26 equal bi-weekly installments. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.

Export Control
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law.  Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.  

 

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