Nuclear Fuel Optimization Manager
Summary: Southern Nuclear Operating Company's Nuclear Fuel and Analysis Department supports the Southern Nuclear fleet in nuclear fuel, reload analysis, and reactor engineering. This role is responsible for designing and implementing the nuclear fuel technology strategy and technology solutions in accordance with fleet upgrade strategies. As a member of the leadership team, the Nuclear Fuel Optimization Manager will develop and manage a team of engineers and support staff responsible for nuclear fuel transitions, methodology modernizations, and fuel technologies to modernize and optimize the use of nuclear fuel for eight operating units. This role involves implementing strategies to improve fuel performance, reliability, and efficiency (cost reductions). This manager and their respective team will serve as the primary nuclear fuel interface for major asset enhancement initiatives that impact nuclear fuel including power uprates, subsequent license renewals, and cycle extensions. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to provide strategic direction, work cross functionally, and implement delivery of engineering products and advancements in nuclear fuel innovations.
Major Job Responsibilities:
- Supervise assigned personnel, including training, coaching, development, and performance management.
- Leads the development and implementation of risk assessment, change management, and regulatory actions aligned with fuel optimization strategies.
- Stays abreast of ever-changing nuclear fuel technology and industry events impacting nuclear fuel technology and regulatory strategies. Oversee risk assessment of nuclear fuel and reactor core design changes that are outside the experience base of the existing Southern Nuclear fleet.
- Represents Southern Nuclear in external meetings including regulatory interactions with the NRC regarding fuel technology and methodology submittals.
- Provide technical oversight and Southern Nuclear implementation of engineering deliverables from suppliers including nuclear fuel fabricators that support fuel transitions, operating strategy changes, major projects, regulatory submittals (e.g. EPUs and cycle extensions) or technologies outside of the experience base of the existing Southern Nuclear fleet.
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited college (preferred) OR Professional Engineer (P.E.) license/certification required.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years nuclear industry experience and a minimum of five years of experience in leading nuclear fuel engineering product implementations such a new product line implementation, methodology transitions, or fuel transitions.
- Experience in developing and executing mid-scale projects associated with nuclear fuel technologies.
- Experience with leadership roles associated with nuclear fuel technologies.
- Knowledge of nuclear fuel-related FSAR and Technical Specifications and site procedures for fuel-related operational support.
- Extensive knowledge of fuel engineering industry experience, including operation of nuclear fuel, problems encountered, trends in innovations, and new product implementations.
- Must have knowledge of nuclear fuel generation systems and fuel requirements, reload safety analyses, reactor engineering, nuclear fuel purchasing methodologies, risk management tools and strategies, or government regulations regarding nuclear fuel.
Skills and Behavioral Attributes:
- Demonstrates Our Values (Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance)
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior-level management and key stakeholders and lead through influence.
- Team player with a collaborative approach to cultivate solutions for the benefit of Southern Nuclear and the nuclear industry.
- Ability to operate successfully in a regulated environment with an understanding and appreciation of risk, compliance, corporate policy and procedures, internal controls and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to lead and develop through change and be recognized as a change agent.
- Demonstrated ability to connect the dots and apply sound business judgment
- Outstanding credibility and ability to build excellent relationships within the company, industry, and with vendors/suppliers.
- High level of written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to relate precise technical recommendations and issues with others within the Southern Nuclear fleet, regulatory agencies, nuclear fuel suppliers, other utility personnel, and various technical industry organizations.
- Knowledgeable about current and future technology trends with the ability to scout and deploy industry-changing technology
- Ability to synthesize large amounts of information, determine solutions, and make quality and timely decisions
