Director of Nuclear & Hybrid Plant Operations

Blue Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Energy seeks a Director of Operations to lead the safe, reliable startup and commercial operations of a new-build energy facility combining SMRs and a CCGT plant. You will oversee final construction, commissioning, fuel loading, and power ascension testing, transitioning to full commercial operations.

You will ensure regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and effective coordination between nuclear and thermal generation teams, with a focus on safety culture and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, nuclear technology, mechanical/electrical engineering, or a related technical field is required.
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational readiness planning for SMR and CCGT systems, including staffing and procedures.
• Ensure operator licensing and qualification programs meet NRC, INPO, and NERC standards.
• Oversee commissioning, fuel load, pre-operational testing, and systems turnover from construction to operations.
• Coordinate with EPC contractors, licensing teams, and engineering to align operations requirements with construction.
• Establish and foster a strong nuclear safety culture and operational excellence mindset across the ops team.
• Establish control room staffing, shift turnover processes, and plant startup protocols.
• Direct daily operations of SMR and CCGT assets focusing on safety, reliability, and load coordination.
• Represent the site during NRC, INPO, NERC, and ISO audits or inspections.

Skills

NRC/NERC regulations

Leadership experience

Operations management

Dispatch optimization

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree or MBA preferred

Job description

Blue Energy seeks a Director of Operations to lead the safe, reliable startup and commercial operations of a new-build energy facility combining SMRs and a CCGT plant. You will oversee final construction, commissioning, fuel loading, and power ascension testing, transitioning to full commercial operations.

You will ensure regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and effective coordination between nuclear and thermal generation teams, with a focus on safety culture and performance.