Plant Operations Manager

Blue Energy is a nuclear energy company focused on making nuclear power scalable, financeable, and deployable on a global scale. The company has engineered a factory-built approach to nuclear plant construction that dramatically reduces both cost and build time compared to traditional on-site construction methods. By prefabricating modular nuclear plant components in controlled factory environments and transporting them via barge for rapid on-site assembly, Blue Energy targets a three-year time to first power at approximately $5,000 per kilowatt, compared to the industry norm of 10-15 years and $15,000 per kilowatt. Blue Energy's mission is to remove the financial and logistical barriers that have historically prevented nuclear power from scaling, positioning it as a viable long-term solution to growing global energy demands, including those driven by the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. The company operates plants long-term and delivers firm, clean energy, making nuclear power competitive and repeatable across diverse markets worldwide. The company has attracted significant investment and industry partnerships, including a $380 million fundraise announced in April 2026, a strategic investment from Constellation, and a collaboration with GE Vernova on a gas-plus-nuclear approach. Blue Energy is also collaborating with Crusoe to build a nuclear-powered data center. Led by a team described as veteran nuclear pragmatists and energy experts, the company aims to scale nuclear power within the current decade.

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.