Operations and Testing Lead, Project Pele

About the role

As the Operations and Testing Lead for Project Pele at BWXT’s Advanced Technologies group, you will serve as the primary on‑site representative at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho Falls, ID, acting as the central liaison between design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing teams. You will coordinate reactor plant integration efforts related to fueling, operational readiness, and test facility execution, ensure seamless communication across BWXT and INL stakeholders, provide technical and operational leadership throughout each phase, and help drive successful deployment and testing of the reactor system.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with INL stakeholders on all aspects of Project Pele including preparation of safety analysis and licensing efforts, site layout and construction, facility interfaces, preparations and facility preparation for fueling, test program development, operations and test procedure development.
• Perform duties as one of the BWXT testing and operations representatives during fueling, plant assembly, plant startup, and operations/testing.
• Work alongside INL stakeholders daily and communicate regularly with BWXT project personnel.
• Build and foster relationships with INL stakeholders to help maintain the project on schedule and on budget.
• Communicate design, manufacturing, and testing issues promptly to support effective technical coordination and ensure seamless integration across BWXT and INL shared scopes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, or a related discipline).
• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in an engineering‑related field.
• Demonstrated experience working within disciplined operational environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple internal organizations.
• Comfortable serving as the on‑site leadership representative and primary voice of the organization.
• Experience developing and reviewing basis of estimates for proposals.
• Highly self‑motivated, proactive, and able to operate effectively with minimal direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of independently managing workload and priorities with limited day‑to‑day supervision.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with reactor plant systems operations and testing.
• Experience with assembly, integration, commissioning, and testing of new construction reactor plant systems.
• Experience with reactor plant startup testing including initial criticality.
• Experience with DOE licensing and readiness procedure structure (DOE NE O 420.1C, DOE‑STD‑1271).
• Active DOD or DOE security clearance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work‑life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission‑driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is expected to be between $99,410.00 and $157,000.00 per year.