We are seeking an experienced Nuclear HVAC and Ventilation System Engineer to lead the design and development of safety-critical ventilation systems for nuclear facilities.
This is a rare opportunity to define the safety-critical ventilation architecture for one of the first advanced SMRs moving toward licensing and deployment in Europe and the US. You will work within one of our engineering teams in a multicultural and multidisciplinary stimulating environment, where you will be responsible for establishing the complete design framework—from deriving top-level requirements from international codes and standards through basic and detailed design phases.
This role requires deep expertise in translating regulatory guidelines (IAEA, SSM, and other nuclear codes) into actionable system requirements while applying rigorous systems engineering principles to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
What we do at Blykalla
Blykalla is Sweden's only SMR vendor, commercializing lead-cooled fast reactors for industrial use. Based on 20+ years of research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, our SEALER technology is a compact 55 MWe unit designed to offer a safe, efficient, and scalable power solution. Backed by partners including Uniper, ABB, KSB, and Höganäs, Blykalla is today around 110 employees and consultants — your work here will directly shape how nuclear ventilation systems are designed and licensed for the first time in Sweden.
What you'll get to do
As an HVAC and Ventilation System Engineer, you will lead the design and integration of nuclear ventilation and HVAC systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance throughout all design phases. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams and regulatory bodies to develop systems that meet the highest safety standards for nuclear facilities. Your key responsibilities would be:
Requirements & Design
Derive system requirements from international nuclear standards (IAEA, SSM, ASME AG-1) and translate them into functional, performance, and safety criteria.
Lead conceptual, basic, and detailed design of ventilation and HVAC systems, including pressure cascade concepts, confinement zoning, and HEPA/carbon filtration configurations.
Ensure compliance with nuclear safety classifications and QA standards, maintaining traceability throughout the design lifecycle.
System Engineering & Safety Analysis
Perform trade-off studies balancing safety, reliability, and cost, and coordinate HVAC integration with other safety systems (containment, fire protection).
Conduct FMEA and HAZOP analyses, evaluating performance under normal, accident, and beyond-design-basis conditions.
Support Verification & Validation (V&V) activities and safety reviews, applying MBSE methods and configuration control.
Documentation, Collaboration & Leadership
Develop technical documentation (design basis documents, P&IDs, safety analysis reports) and present to regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
Collaborate with reactor engineers, safety specialists, and regulatory affairs, working closely with authorities during design reviews and licensing.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers while managing multiple projects in a highly regulated environment.
Who you are
You will be part of a highly skilled team with a can-do attitude. We value personal chemistry and strive to create a workplace where you enjoy coming to. There are a few things that will help you succeed in this role:
Master's degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, Energy, Process Engineering, or related field
10+ years designing HVAC/ventilation systems for nuclear or highly regulated industries
Proven track record leading basic and detailed design of safety-critical ventilation systems
Working knowledge of nuclear ventilation codes (IAEA, ASME AG-1, SSM, NRC, ONR, or similar ISO standards)
Deep understanding of nuclear safety classification, safety functions, and defense-in-depth principles
Expertise in confinement design, pressure cascade systems, and contamination control
Knowledge of HEPA filtration, activated carbon systems, and radiation protection principles
Ability to evaluate HVAC modeling and simulation software results
Knowledge of systems engineering processes and lifecycle management
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to nuclear safety
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
Proven ability to work in cross-functional, multicultural teams
Unwavering commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance
Meritorious skills:
The following are not required but considered an advantage:
PhD in a relevant engineering discipline
INCOSE SEP (Systems Engineering Professional) certification
Experience with firefighting system design for nuclear or highly regulated industries
Swedish language skills
Experience with nuclear licensing processes and regulatory interactions
Field experience in construction, testing, commissioning, or startup of nuclear HVAC/ventilation systems
If you don't meet every requirement listed below, we still encourage you to apply.
Where this role can take you
As Blykalla scales from first-of-a-kind design toward licensing, construction, and eventually serial production, this role can grow into functional leadership of a broader HVAC/ventilation and confinement systems team, or into a wider systems engineering leadership position spanning multiple safety-critical disciplines across the SEALER program.
Location
This position is based in our Stockholm office.
So, what do you think?
Joining our team means being part of a supportive and innovative environment where your ideas are valued and your expertise is recognized. You will have the opportunity to work with industry leaders and contribute to the safe and sustainable use of nuclear power.
Note: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are an equal-opportunity employer.
