Nuclear Engineer

Laser Isotope Separation Technologies (LIS Technologies Inc.); Tennessee; On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance incentives

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Laser Isotope Separation Technologies (LIS Technologies Inc.) in Oak Ridge, TN, seeks an accomplished senior leader to direct strategic deconversion and regulatory compliance within the nuclear fuel cycle. The role oversees cross-disciplinary teams and ensures safe, compliant operations.

The candidate will drive process optimization, safety protocols for UF6 handling, and interface with enrichment operations. DOE Q clearance or ability to obtain within 12 months is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nuclear or Chemical Engineering, PhD preferred
• 15+ years progressive experience in nuclear fuel cycle operations
• At least 8 years of senior management experience in nuclear facilities
• Experience with uranium hexafluoride processing and handling
• Active DOE Q-level security clearance or ability to obtain within 12 months

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement deconversion strategies aligned with production goals and regulatory requirements
• Oversee daily operations of deconversion processes, ensuring safety and efficiency
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams including engineers, safety specialists and technicians
• Coordinate with enrichment operations for seamless integration of deconversion activities
• Engage emergency response planning and site emergency management
• Collaborate with R&D on process improvements and technology advancement

Skills

Nuclear engineering

Regulatory compliance

Senior management

Process safety

DOE/IAEA standards

Education

MSc Nuclear/Chemical Eng

PhD preferred

PE license

Tools

SCADA

Process control

Analytics platforms

Job description

Strategic Leadership & Operations Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive deconversion strategies aligned with production goals and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee daily operations of deconversion processes, ensuring optimal efficiency and safety protocols.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams including process engineers, safety specialists, and operations technicians.
• Coordinate with enrichment operations to ensure seamless integration of deconversion activities.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Management

• Ensure full compliance with NRC regulations, and international IAEA standards.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving nuclear regulatory landscape and implement necessary operational adjustments.
• Develop and oversee implementation of comprehensive safety protocols specific to UF₆ handling and deconverted products.
• Engage emergency response planning and coordinate with site emergency management teams.

Technical & Process Excellence

• Optimize deconversion process parameters to maximize uranium oxide recovery while minimizing waste generation.
• Implement advanced process monitoring and control systems for real-time optimization.
• Collaborating with R&D teams on process improvements and technology advancement initiatives
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposition of uranium products, including U₃O₈ and anhydrous HF.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in nuclear fuel cycle operations.
• At least 8 years of senior management experience in nuclear facilities.
• Demonstrated experience with uranium hexafluoride processing and handling.Technical Expertise

Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive understanding of uranium deconversion processes, thermodynamics, and chemical engineering principles.
• Expert knowledge of nuclear criticality safety, radiation protection, and ALARA principles.
• Proficiency in process control systems, SCADA systems, and advanced analytics platforms.
• Prefer familiarity with laser isotope separation technology and its integration with deconversion operations.

Regulatory & Security Requirements

• Active DOE Q-level security clearance or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Demonstrated history of successful regulatory inspections and license renewals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Nuclear or Chemical Engineering.
• Previous experience with advanced uranium enrichment technologies.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent process improvement certification.
• Experience with international nuclear safeguards and IAEA protocols.
• Published research in nuclear fuel cycle or uranium processing technologies.

Working Conditions

• Onsite role – Oak Ridge, TN.
• Monday – Friday, Full Time; Occasional overtime is expected for ensuring deliverables.
• Ability to perform field work (stand, walk, climb stairs/ladders, don PPE, lift to ~30–50 lbs. occasionally).
• Periodic off-hours support for emergencies, outages, audits, or commissioning.
• Limited travel (<10–15%) to vendor, regulatory, or partner sites.
• Competitive salary (based on experience – starting range $200,000 annually), potential stock options and performance incentives
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability and life
• Paid time off, paid holidays and professional development support