About this Plant Operations Manager role at Blue Energy
Company Overview
Blue Energy is transforming how nuclear power gets built. Instead of constructing each plant on-site from scratch - a process that takes 10-15 years and is too expensive and unpredictable to finance - we build our plants like ships: in a factory, on an assembly line, then transport and assemble them at the site. This cuts costs by over 60% and brings plants online in just three years. We also pair natural gas with nuclear at our sites, so customers can start receiving power from gas turbines right away and then switch over to clean nuclear power once it comes online - getting energy to the grid faster while nuclear is being built. Our mission is to make nuclear energy abundant, affordable, and repeatable at global scale. We use proven, already-approved reactor designs and work with existing nuclear and industrial sites, giving us a faster path to regulatory approval. By manufacturing this way, we put nuclear power on the same cost-reduction curve that has made wind, solar, and batteries cheaper every year.
Role Summary
The Manager of Plant Operations is responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant start-up and commercial operations of a new-build energy facility comprising Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant. This leadership role manages all operational aspects during final construction, commissioning, initial fuel load, and power ascension testing, transitioning into full commercial operations. The Manager works directly with the Director to ensures regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and effective coordination between nuclear and thermal generation systems.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Operational / Startup Phase:
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, highperformance 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.
Ability 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
We look forward to your application and helping foster an era of safe, clean, affordable, and abundant energy.
Blue Energy is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this or other roles at Blue Energy now or in the future.
