Nuclear Operations Manager

About the role

You will lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of reactor and fuel plant operators, driving technical excellence and a relentless safety culture across all shifts. You will oversee the daily operations of advanced high-temperature reactor systems and the TRISO fuel fabrication pilot facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant performance from startup through steady-state production. This role requires you to plan and manage operational budgets, staffing, and scheduling while coordinating closely with engineering, EHS, and regulatory partners. You will develop, implement, and maintain operating procedures, training programs, and qualification standards to build a world-class operational workforce. You will monitor and analyze real-time operational data to optimize reliability, efficiency, and adherence to performance targets. As a key leader at the Orangeville, Utah pilot facility, you will coordinate commissioning, startup, and performance testing for both reactor and fuel systems. You will also travel periodically to Valar Atomics' Los Angeles headquarters to align with design and engineering teams on integration and continuous improvement. In this role, you will model the culture of autonomy, ownership, accountability, and teamwork that defines Valar Atomics.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of reactor and fuel plant operators, fostering technical excellence and a strong safety culture.

Oversee daily operations of advanced high-temperature reactor systems and TRISO fuel fabrication processes.

Manage radiation protection, safety, and environmental compliance programs in coordination with EHS and regulatory teams.

Develop, implement, and maintain operating procedures, training programs, and qualification standards for plant personnel.

Plan and manage budgets, staffing, and scheduling for operational activities and maintenance.

Support commissioning, startup, and performance testing for both reactor and fuel systems.

Monitor and analyze operational data to ensure efficiency, reliability, and adherence to performance goals.

Coordinate cross-functional efforts between engineering, quality assurance, and regulatory teams.

Promote a culture where everyone steps up to meet the most critical needs to ensure safe and successful operation.

Drive continuous improvement by identifying operational risks and implementing corrective and preventive actions.

Execute shift schedules, on-call responsibilities, and incident response protocols to maintain 24/7 operational readiness.

Ensure strict adherence to nuclear regulatory requirements, quality standards, and site-specific procedures.

Facilitate knowledge transfer and documentation to sustain operational excellence and support future scale-up.

Represent Valar Atomics in external interactions with regulators, vendors, and partner organizations as needed.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age to meet minimum employment eligibility.

Must hold a valid driver's license to operate company vehicles and support site logistics.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for the position.

Must comply with all site access requirements, including security clearances, background checks, and drug screening.

Must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, as required by the role.

Must demonstrate the ability to follow strict safety protocols, quality procedures, and regulatory guidance.

Must communicate effectively and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Must be willing to participate in shift work, on-call rotations, and emergency response duties as operational needs require.

Must travel periodically to Valar Atomics' Los Angeles headquarters for coordination and integration activities.

Must commit to continuous learning and adherence to company standards, policies, and operational best practices.

Must successfully complete any pre-employment assessments, training programs, and probationary requirements.

Must maintain a professional attitude and contribute to a culture of ownership, accountability, and teamwork.

Must be prepared to work at a pilot facility engaged in advanced nuclear and fuel systems operations.

Practical notes

Hours: Full-time.

Travel: Periodic travel to Los Angeles, California.

Visa: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Deadline: No application deadline specified.