Director, Digital Modernization

Jobtailor; Kentucky; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vistra is seeking a senior leader to oversee digital control, instrumentation, and modernization upgrades across its nuclear fleet. You will own the modernization roadmap, sequence DCS and Mark VIe upgrades, and guide design from scope through turnover across three sites and outage windows.

The role requires deep experience in digital I&C and capital programs, with NRC compliance knowledge and a track record of stakeholder management and talent development. Travel to sites will be required.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in the nuclear or fossil power industry with increasing responsibility in engineering, projects, operations, or maintenance.
• 5–7 years leading capital modification programs such as digital I&C, DCS, or turbine control upgrades.
• Working knowledge of digital control platforms (Emerson/Westinghouse Ovation, GE Mark VIe, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of plant I&C and the NRC digital I&C path, including 10 CFR 50.59, cyber security, and qualification.
• Familiarity with INPO standards, equipment reliability and obsolescence programs, and plant telemetry analytics.
• Ability to deliver complex modifications from concept through turnover.

Responsibilities

• Lead the portfolio of digital control, instrumentation, and modernization upgrades across Vistra's nuclear fleet.
• Own the fleet digital modernization roadmap and capital portfolio.
• Sequence Ovation DCS, GE Mark VIe, and I&C obsolescence upgrades across three sites and outage windows.
• Lead design and execution from scope and 50.59 screening through installation, testing, startup, and turnover.
• Integrate digital scope with the Extended Power Uprate program.
• Manage OEM and EPC relationships, negotiating scope, cost, and schedule.
• Develop the digital and I&C talent pipeline and represent Vistra in INPO and industry modernization forums.

Skills

Team Leadership

Negotiation

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

PMP

SRO License/Certification

Tools

Ovation DCS

GE Mark VIe

Power Optimization Center

Extended Power Uprate Program

INPO Standards

Job description

• Lead the portfolio of digital control, instrumentation, and modernization upgrades across Vistra's nuclear fleet
• Own the fleet digital modernization roadmap and capital portfolio
• Sequence Ovation DCS, GE Mark VIe, and I&C obsolescence upgrades across three sites and outage windows
• Lead design and execution from scope and 50.59 screening through installation, testing, startup, and turnover
• Optimize telemetry provided to the Power Optimization Center for analytics and early fault warning
• Retire legacy analog equipment and single-point vulnerabilities while improving operator burden and unit reliability
• Drive platform and standards commonality across Perry, Beaver Valley, and Davis-Besse
• Integrate digital scope with the Extended Power Uprate program
• Manage OEM and EPC relationships, negotiating scope, cost, and schedule
• Develop the digital and I&C talent pipeline and represent Vistra in INPO and industry modernization forums
• Build and lead a team including Digital I&C and Control engineers, a project coordinator, and Sr. Digital Control Manager
• Deliver through matrixed site and fleet engineering teams without direct authority over site organizations
• Track safety, compliance, schedule, cost, execution quality, margin, reliability, and POC enablement metrics

Requirements

• At least 12 years in the nuclear or fossil power industry with increasing responsibility in engineering, projects, operations, or maintenance
• 5–7 years leading capital modification programs such as digital I&C, DCS, or turbine control upgrades
• Working knowledge of digital control platforms (Emerson/Westinghouse Ovation, GE Mark VIe, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of plant I&C and the NRC digital I&C path, including 10 CFR 50.59, cyber security, and qualification
• Familiarity with INPO standards, equipment reliability and obsolescence programs, and plant telemetry analytics
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Electrical, I&C, Nuclear, or Mechanical focus preferred
• PMP, SRO license/certification, or equivalent strongly preferred
• Ability to deliver complex modifications from concept through turnover
• Ability to work from one of the nuclear sites: Perry, Beaver Valley, or Davis-Besse
• Willingness to travel 25–50% depending on deployment phase

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading digital control and instrumentation upgrades within the nuclear power industry, with a strong focus on project management, compliance with NRC regulations, and development of engineering talent. Proven ability to manage complex capital modification programs and optimize operational reliability through innovative digital solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Digital I&C Leadership
• Nuclear Power Industry Experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Digital Control Platforms Knowledge
• Regulatory Compliance Expertise

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Digital Control Systems
• Instrumentation and Control (I&C)
• Ovation DCS
• GE Mark VIe
• Capital Modification Programs
• Telemetry Analytics
• Engineering Design and Execution
• Safety and Compliance Tracking
• Obsolescence Management
• Power Optimization

Soft Skills

• Team Leadership
• Negotiation
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Problem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

• PMP
• SRO License/Certification
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Industry Keywords

• Nuclear Power
• Fossil Power
• 10 CFR 50.59
• Cyber Security
• Equipment Reliability
• Obsolescence Programs
• Plant Telemetry
• Digital Modernization
• Engineering Talent Development
• Site Operations

Tools & Technologies

• Power Optimization Center
• Extended Power Uprate Program
• OEM and EPC Management
• Matrixed Team Coordination
• INPO Standards