Plant Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational readiness planning, including staffing, training, and procedure development for SMR and CCGT systems.
• Ensure operator licensing and qualification programs meet NRC, INPO, and NERC standards.
• NRC requirements for licensed operator training are rigorous and time consuming, previous experience in this area is imperative.
• Oversee and participate in commissioning, fuel load, pre-operational testing, and systems turnover from construction to operations.
• Coordinate with EPC contractors, licensing teams, and engineering to ensure operations requirements are integrated into construction and startup activities.
• Establish and foster a strong nuclear safety culture and operational excellence mindset across the entire operations team.
• Establish control room staffing, shift turnover processes, and plant startup protocols.

Operational Phase

• Manage daily operations of both SMR and CCGT assets with a focus on safety, reliability, and load coordination.
• Ensure compliance with NRC regulations, NERC standards, EPA air permits, and other applicable federal/state requirements.
• Maintain and enforce a strong nuclear safety culture and operational excellence mindset across the entire operations team.
• Manage licensed SROs, non-licensed operators, and CCGT operations personnel; ensure cross-training where appropriate.
• Coordinate plant dispatch and unit optimization strategies to meet grid requirements, capacity obligations, and market opportunities.
• Serve as Emergency Director per the emergency plan and ensure dual-technology emergency response capability.
• Track performance indicators, identify gaps, and lead improvement initiatives.
• Represent the site during NRC, INPO, NERC, and ISO audits or inspections.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, nuclear technology, mechanical/electrical engineering, or a related technical field is required.
• Experience: 10+ years in power plant operations, including nuclear and CCGT generation. At least 5 years in management of licensed operators or generation plant operators. Having worked as a Shift Operations Superintendent (S)S/OSS) or Shift Manager at an operating commercial nuclear power plant. Experience with plant commissioning/startup is strongly preferred. Familiarity with integrated SMR/CCGT sites or hybrid power plant operations is a plus.
• Licenses / Certifications: NRC Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) License or SRO Certification (required or obtainable within 12 months of hire). NERC system operator credentials (preferred but not required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of NRC, NERC, FERC, and EPA operational requirements for dual-technology facilities.
• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams in a high-regulatory, high-performance environment during commissioning and plant startup.
• Deep knowledge of nuclear and thermal generation systems, operations management, and dispatch optimization.
• Excellent crisis management, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Able to operate with strategic foresight while ensuring day-to-day operational rigor.
• Onsite role during construction, commissioning, and operations.
• Must pass nuclear and CCGT site access and fitness-for-duty requirements.
• Occasional off-shift support or emergency response duties as required.