Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle seeks a Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist within the Neutron Sciences Directorate to lead division-wide management, resource alignment, and budgeting for HFIR operations at ORNL. The role collaborates with section heads to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant reactor operations and to drive performance metrics.

The successful candidate will oversee multiyear budgeting using IWP, forecast workforce needs, and implement process improvements to strengthen accountability and strategic

Qualifications

• BS/BA in finance or business with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in financial analysis and using spreadsheet applications and financial software.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic finance and financial data analysis in operating facilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with RRD leadership to develop division-wide management and workflow processes.
• Align resources with priorities and resolve organizational challenges.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning to align budgets, schedules, milestones across RRD.
• Plan, forecast, and manage multiyear budgets using IWP.
• Develop and communicate KPIs to show progress and impact.
• Lead process improvements to boost productivity and accountability.

Skills

Financial analysis

Spreadsheet proficiency

Financial software

Strategic finance

Budget management

Education

BS/BA in finance or business

MBA (preferred)

Tools

IWP tool

Budgeting software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist for Business Management Services (BMS) in the Research Reactors Division (RRD) of Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD). The mission of BMS is to provide excellent, efficient, and compliant nuclear grade services to support safe and reliable High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) operations.

Requisition Id 17150

The BMS Section is responsible for Reactor Certification and Qualification, Nuclear Materials and Procurement, Information Technology (IT) implementation, Document Control and Records management, financial planning, and budget management.

The Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist works closely with the BMS Section Head to lead a variety of division-wide activities, ensuring operational excellence, strategic alignment, and organizational effectiveness within the section and the division.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborate with RRD leadership in developing and executing divisional management and nuclear workflow processes that enable safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).


• Partner with Section Heads and Group Leaders to align resources with operational priorities and resolve organizational challenges in pursuit of operational excellence.


• Coordinate infrastructure planning activities to ensure budgets, resources, schedules, milestones, and deliverables remain aligned across all RRD functions.


• Lead assessment of future workforce needs, prioritizing critical hires, and coordinate with RRD leadership to ensure staffing levels support safe and reliable operations.


• Plan, forecast, and manage multiyear, high value budgets using the Integrated Work Plan (IWP) tool, ensuring milestones and regulatory requirements are met.


• Apply advanced analytical and forecasting techniques to assess trends, anticipate resource needs, and inform strategic planning and budgeting decisions.


• Evaluate monthly cost performance against projections to determine end of year balances and guide corrective actions.


• Develop and communicate key performance metrics that demonstrate progress, effectiveness, and impact across the division.


• Lead process improvement initiatives that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and strengthen accountability throughout the division.


• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A BS/BA degree in finance or business-related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.


• Demonstrated experience in financial analysis and proficiency in spreadsheet applications and financial software.


• Extensive knowledge of strategic finance and financial data analysis with experience in operating facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• An MBA plus experience with budgetary planning.


• Experience supporting business operations in a nuclear, Department of Energy, or similarly regulated technical environment.


• Familiarization with government orders and requirements related to budgeting and finance.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.