Operations and Testing Lead, Project Pele

Operations and Testing Lead, Project Pele Date: Oct 13, 2026 Location: Lynchburg, VA, US Company: BWXT At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram . Welcome to BWXT We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference. BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers. If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you. Position Overview: As the Operations and Testing Lead for Project Pele, you will serve as BWXT’s primary on‑site representative at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), acting as the central liaison between design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing teams. In this role, you will coordinate all reactor plant integration efforts related to fueling, operational readiness, and test facility execution. You will ensure seamless communication across BWXT and INL stakeholders, provide technical and operational leadership throughout each phase of the project, and help drive the successful deployment and testing of the reactor system. Location: On-site at Idaho National Lab in Idaho Falls, ID Your Day to Day as an Operations and Testing Lead, Project Pele: Work closely with INL stakeholders on all aspects of Project Pele including: Preparation of safety analysis and licensing efforts Site layout and construction Facility interfaces Preparations and facility preparation for fueling Test program development Operations and Test procedure development Perform duties as one of the BWXT testing and operations representatives during fueling, plant assembly, plant startup, and operations/testing. Work alongside INL stakeholders daily and communicate regularly with BWXT project personnel. Build and foster relationships with INL stakeholders to help maintain the project on schedule and on budget. Communicate design, manufacturing, and testing issues promptly to support effective technical coordination and ensure seamless integration across BWXT and INL shared scopes. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, or a related discipline). At least seven (7) years of professional experience in an engineering‑related field. Demonstrated experience working within disciplined operational environments. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple internal organizations. Comfortable serving as the on‑site leadership representative and primary voice of the organization. Experience developing and reviewing basis of estimates for porposals. Highly self‑motivated, proactive, and able to operate effectively with minimal direction. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Capable of independently managing workload and priorities with limited day‑to‑day supervision. Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with reactor plant systems operations and testing. Experience with assembly, integration, commissioning, and testing of new construction reactor plant systems. Experience with reactor plant startup testing including initial criticality. Experience with DOE licensing and readiness procedure structure (DOE NE O 420.1C, DOE-STD-1271). Active DOD or DOE security clearance. What We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance. Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education. An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations. The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy. Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career! Pay: $99,410.00- $157,000.00 The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $99,410.00 and $157,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors. As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment. All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications. BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status. BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid (“Agreement”). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at View email address on click.appcast.io. Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia Job Segment: Defense, DoD, Nuclear Engineering, Security Clearance, Recruiting, Government, Engineering, Human Resources #J-18808-Ljbffr