Nuclear Facility Manager Idaho FallsAt Lightbridge, we're pioneering advanced nuclear fuel technology that's designed to make reactors safer, more efficient, and more responsive to global energy needs. Our mission is bold and we're looking for equally bold thinkers to help us bring it to life. If you thrive at the intersection of engineering and regulatory strategy, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy. The Nuclear Facility Manager (NFM) will help establish the operational organization, processes, and culture and will lead the transition from facility commissioning and operational readiness through startup and sustained pilot operations. This position is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of Lightbridge's pilot HALEU metallic fuel fabrication facility called SHED. This role owns the facility's operating envelope, including implementation of the safety basis (License Application / Integrated Safety Analysis), regulatory license conditions, and site operating procedures. NFM will establish and maintain disciplined nuclear facility operations, including conduct of day-to-day operations, work planning and control, staffing, operator training and qualifications, facility configuration management, maintenance coordination, emergency preparedness, and operational performance, radiological controls, safeguards, and quality functions to support fabrication of co-extruded U-Zr multi-lobe fuel elements from pilot through eventual production scale.
Responsibilities:
Serve as the responsible facility manager under applicable DOE authorization requirements (or the NRC Part 70 equivalent), ensuring operations remain within the approved safety basis and DOE authorization conditions.
Direct daily fabrication operations, including material receipt, industrial casting methods, co-extrusion, machining, and finished-assembly staging, balancing schedule, cost, and safety commitments.
Establish, own and maintain facility operating procedures, conduct of operations program, work control/permit-to-work systems, configuration management, and facility readiness programs.
Lead unusual occurrence reporting, causal analysis, and corrective action management; interface directly with DOE/NRC, customers, and/or partners during inspections and licensing actions.
Lead facility commissioning, startup, Operational Readiness Reviews, and transition to sustained operations.
Manage facility readiness reviews (e.g., Operational Readiness Reviews) for new process lines or capability increases as the facility scales toward Phase 1/Phase 2 throughput.
Coordinate closely with Radiological Controls, Nuclear Safeguards (MC&A), Quality Assurance, and Engineering to resolve cross-functional operational issues.
Own facility emergency preparedness plans and serve as an Emergency Director or equivalent role during drills and actual events.
Interface with DOE, NRC, and other regulatory authorities during inspections, licensing activities, and facility oversight.
Manage facility staffing, training/qualification programs, and shift operations for operators and technicians.
Support facility maintenance, equipment reliability, capital projects, operating budgets, and production planning.
Establish performance metrics and continuously improve facility safety, reliability, quality, and productivity.
Champion a strong nuclear safety culture, operational discipline, and Integrated Safety Management System principles across the workforce.
Required Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field (advanced degree a plus).Minimum 10 years of experience in nuclear facility operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role at an NRC- or DOE-licensed nuclear facility. Experience operating, commissioning, or starting up an NRC- or DOE-regulated nuclear facility experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated working knowledge of 10 CFR Parts 20, 40, 70, and/or 830, as applicable to fuel-cycle or special nuclear material facilities or equivalent DOE authorization requirements. Experience with facility safety basis or authorization basis documents (License Application, ISA Summary, Documented Safety Analysis, or equivalent).Track record of direct engagement with NRC or DOE regulators, including inspections, license amendments, or enforcement actions. Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills in a fast-paced, first-of-a-kind facility environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with metallic uranium alloy fuel fabrication, VAR melting, or extrusion processes. Experience standing up or scaling a new nuclear fuel-cycle facility from pilot to production. Familiarity with HALEU-specific regulatory, safeguards, security, and transportation considerations (10 CFR Part 71/73/74).Experience with MC&A, NQA-1, or nuclear emergency preparedness programs. Advanced degree or relevant professional certification is a plus. Lightbridge is committed to supporting the people who power our mission. We offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits program designed to promote well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth, including:
- Competitive salary and performance bonuses, including cash and equity awards
- Remote-first work culture with opportunities for travel
- 100% company-paid health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with 100% company match
- Generous time off and family care benefits
- Up to 32 hours per year of company-covered professional development course fees If you're excited about contributing to work that will help shape the future of clean energy, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to learning more about you and the impact you can make at Lightbridge.
