Plant Operations

Last Energy; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Last Energy is seeking Plant Operations professionals to manage the operations of a nuclear facility in Emeryville, California. You will be accountable for safe and reliable plant operations, collaborating closely with engineering and corporate leadership.

Your responsibilities include overseeing test campaigns, managing equipment installations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates will have a background in engineering or operations with significant experience in safety-critical environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading a research and development facility or small industrial plant.
• Experience supporting startup or first-of-a-kind facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Be on call 24/7 and accountable for overall facility operation.
• Oversee installation of new equipment required for phase transitions.
• Manage on-site staff and contractors.

Skills

Leadership in safety-critical environments

Understanding of industrial safety frameworks

Conduct of Operations

Operational readiness

Sound judgment under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field

Job description

Last Energy is seeking Plant Operations professionals to lead day-to-day operations of a Last Energy nuclear facility and be accountable for safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations. The role works on design intent, safety basis requirements, and operating procedures into disciplined operations, ensures operational readiness, and drives continuous improvement across safety, reliability, and cost. The position works closely with engineering, maintenance, and corporate leadership while maintaining clear authority and decision-making at the site level.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Be on call 24/7 and accountable for overall facility operation
• Oversee test campaigns in collaboration with engineering team in Austin
• Oversee installation of new equipment, including equipment needed for phase transitions with the Department of Energy (DOE)
• Manage on-site staff and contractors
• Host and manage site visits and tours for investors, DOE, Texas A&M, and other stakeholders
• Member of the Joint Test Group (setup to manage the transition from construction to operation)
• Preparing for and overseeing DOE readiness reviews
• General regulatory compliance, including OSHA and DOE-approved Technical Safety Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Demonstrated experience leading a research and development facility and/or small industrial plant
• Strong understanding of industrial safety frameworks, Conduct of Operations, and operational readiness
• Proven ability to lead teams with clear authority and accountability in safety-critical environments
• Experience supporting startup, restart, or first-of-a-kind facilities strongly preferred
• Sound judgment under pressure with a demonstrated commitment to conservative operational decision-making