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BWXT

BWXTEO - Director of Operations

BWXT, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States, 37830

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Position Overview At BWXT, we are committed to delivering innovative nuclear solutions that contribute to a better world. We recently announced a new venture in advanced uranium enrichment, designed to support a new era of energy innovation and national security while modernizing the fuel cycle. As a trusted leader in nuclear operations, we are expanding into the enrichment sector and are actively seeking visionary leaders to help shape the future of nuclear energy in the United States.

The Director of Operations will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of BWXT’s uranium enrichment centrifuge operations and plant start‑up. This position is responsible for driving safe, compliant, and high‑performing operations across the enrichment enterprise—including cascade production, regulatory engagement, safety basis management, and facility readiness.

The ideal candidate brings extensive nuclear operations experience, a strong background in NRC‑regulated environments (10 CFR 70), and a deep understanding of centrifuge enrichment technologies. This executive will play a key role in BWXT’s long‑term enrichment strategy, managing cross‑functional teams and aligning operational execution with national security and corporate goals.

Location On‑site in Oak Ridge, TN

Your Day To Day As The Director Operations

Lead day‑to‑day and strategic operations for uranium enrichment centrifuge facilities, including production, engineering integration, and safety compliance.

Oversee the commissioning, testing, and operational readiness of enrichment cascades while ensuring alignment with BWXT’s safety, quality, and performance standards.

Ensure full regulatory compliance with NRC, DOE/NNSA, and IAEA requirements, including license amendments, safety evaluations, and ISA/ISA Summary implementation.

Drive a performance‑focused culture through measurable KPIs, root cause analysis, operational excellence initiatives, and workforce development.

Manage and develop senior operational leadership, including Shift Managers, Technical Advisors, Engineering Leads, and Licensing personnel.

Lead interactions with NRC, DOE/NNSA, and internal audit/assurance teams on licensing, inspections, and compliance programs.

Provide direct oversight of NQA‑1 quality assurance programs, configuration management, and continuous improvement strategies across operations.

Steward an operating budget exceeding $10M and contribute to capital planning and strategic funding decisions in coordination with corporate leadership.

Serve as a member of the site executive team and contribute to long‑term enrichment capability expansion and technology innovation.

Required Qualifications

20+ years of progressive leadership experience in nuclear operations, including direct oversight of fuel cycle facilities, uranium enrichment, or high‑hazard Category I operations.

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Deep technical understanding of gas centrifuge enrichment, safety analysis methods, and NRC licensing frameworks.

Experience leading or supporting NRC Operational Readiness Reviews, safety basis implementation, and integrated facility startups.

Strong working knowledge of 10 CFR 70, NQA‑1 programs, ISA processes, and DOE/NRC regulatory interfaces.

Demonstrated experience managing complex teams and multi‑million‑dollar operational budgets in high‑consequence nuclear environments.

Proven ability to interface with federal agencies, regulators, and corporate stakeholders with clarity and confidence.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance (active clearance strongly preferred).

Ability to report to an assigned work location. This is not a remote work opportunity.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

MBA or other advanced business/leadership education.

DOE “Q” Clearance.

Prior experience with BWXT, URENCO, or similar uranium enrichment programs strongly preferred.

Military nuclear background (e.g., U.S. Navy Nuclear Program) considered a strong asset.

What We Offer

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 Pay: $161,000 – $233,000 per year. The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US‑TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $161,000 and $233,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed ‘at‑will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

Legal and EEO Statements As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. All BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with no dual citizenship to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications. BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company‑sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status. BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.

Job Segment: Nuclear Engineering, Facilities, Operations Manager, Mechanical Engineer, Security Clearance, Engineering, Operations, Government

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