Environmental and Radioactive Waste Management Program Manager

General Matter, Inc. is an American nuclear energy company based in California that is focused on developing domestic nuclear energy solutions. The company aims to harness nuclear technology to increase national energy prosperity, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, and support the expansion of American capabilities in the energy sector. Their work centers on making nuclear energy more accessible and practical by advancing technologies that can be developed and deployed within the United States. General Matter's mission is rooted in the belief that nuclear power represents a critical pathway toward a cleaner, more energy-independent future. By turning domestic nuclear potential into operational reality, the company positions itself at the intersection of national security, economic growth, and climate-conscious energy production. Their approach emphasizes building nuclear energy infrastructure that is homegrown rather than reliant on foreign supply chains or expertise. The company brings together leaders from nuclear engineering, technology, government, and finance, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to solving the complex challenges of modern nuclear energy development. As a startup operating in the green and climate technology sector, General Matter represents a new wave of private investment in nuclear energy as a viable and scalable low-carbon power source for the United States.

About the Company

General Matter is enriching uranium in America.

Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States. 

Our mission is to restore America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel—fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors.

Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society.

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production. 

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.

About This Role 

The Environmental and Waste Management Program Manager builds and owns General Matter's environmental protection and radioactive waste management program — the function responsible for protecting the public and the environment from facility operations under applicable nuclear regulation, distinct from General Matter's broader environmental health and safety function. This role establishes the permits, procedures, and monitoring systems required to ensure compliance with NRC, DOE, and international standards (e.g., 10 CFR Part 20, ICRP, and ANSI), and manages the full lifecycle of radioactive waste from characterization through disposition. The role operates independently of production activities, with the authority to halt operations that pose a risk to the environment or public health. 

Responsibilities 

• Identify environmental obligations imposed by applicable federal, state, and local regulations  

• Establish and maintain the environmental monitoring program 

• Secure and maintain the permits, licenses, and registrations required for radiological and non-radiological discharges, and for waste handling and disposal 

• Review and approve operations, and proposed changes to operations, that carry potential for environmental release 

• Develop the criteria, procedures, and training used to monitor gaseous and liquid effluents 

• Establish and manage the facility's radioactive waste management program, including waste minimization consistent with 10 CFR 20.1406 and the safe handling, storage, and disposition of solid and liquid radioactive waste 

• Characterize waste generation and identify opportunities to reduce waste volume and contamination, and manage waste to facilitate eventual decommissioning 

• Verify ongoing compliance with environmental and waste management requirements through inspections and audits 

• Exercise independent authority to halt operations that may pose a risk to the environment or public health 

• Build the program's processes, procedures, and infrastructure largely from the ground up 

Basic Qualifications 

• B.S. or B.A. in a science or engineering discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience in environmental protection, waste management, or applied health physics, including 3+ years in a nuclear/radiological setting; OR advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a science or engineering discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in a nuclear/radiological setting 

• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance and access authorization 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Prior experience at an NRC-licensed facility, DOE site, or national laboratory 

• Professional certification such as Registered Environmental Manager (REM), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) 

• Experience managing radiological and hazardous waste programs 

• Experience building or managing a small team 

• Experience operating in a fast-paced, resource-constrained, or startup environment 

Additional Requirements 

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

Compensation and Benefits 

The base salary range for this role is $130,000–$190,000 annually.

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.