As many as 40 new nuclear engineering jobs could be coming to New Brunswick over the next three years.

Kinectrics Inc., a firm based in Toronto, has set up an office in Saint John, the province announced Tuesday.

The company will receive up to $550,000 in payroll rebates from the province through Opportunities NB.

“Our new location will enable Kinectrics to continue working closely with NB Power and various small modular reactor vendors in the province,” David Harris, president and CEO of Kinectrics, said in a news release.

“We are thrilled to be part of New Brunswick’s thriving energy sector and look forward to what the future holds for us in the province in terms of helping to build capacity and increase capability of the local supply chain in support of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station.”

Kinectrics provides life cycle management services for the electricity industry, with expertise in engineering, testing, inspection and certification.

With more than 1,000 engineers and technical staff worldwide, the company has 20 facilities located in six countries.

Arlene Dunn, the provincial minister responsible for Opportunities NB, said they are pleased to see Kinectrics establish an office in New Brunswick.

“Small modular reactors and nuclear energy continue to be a key area of focus for our province, and Kinectrics’ presence in Saint John will be instrumental in the company’s ability to service and further grow the nuclear industry in our province,” Dunn said in the release.

The salaries for the jobs will be “competitive,” said Dunn, who did not provide any other specifics.

Kinectrics currently has five positions available in Saint John, according to its website. They are looking for an advanced reactor integration and analysis engineer, two piping and mechanical engineers, an electrical design engineer, and a civil and seismic engineer.

According to the province, it is estimated that Kinectrics’ investment will produce more than $11.5 million in incremental GDP growth.