CEO/COO (Town of Texas)

Small initial team. Significant equity. Long months of intense execution. Constant regulatory,

technical, and market risk. Safe return (and substantial reward) far from guaranteed. Honour,

legacy, and potential industry-defining exit for those who succeed.

This is not for everybody.

Company Description

TexasNexus is an originator platform building the world’s first observable commercial reference architecture at the intersection of produced water management, advanced nuclear (SMR), ERCOT power, desalination, AI compute infrastructure, and critical mineral recovery (Li/Br) in the Permian Basin.

We secure land, complete feasibility/economic studies, win non-dilutive grants (TANEO momentum), and partner strategically, then transfer the de-risked project LLC to a strategic buyer, JV, or scale partner.

Significant heavy lifting remains. We need a battle-tested CEO to drive the Project LLC forward:

execute post-grant acceleration (assuming TANEO award), advance permitting/milestones, build the team/operations, and position for high-value exit or scaling.

The Role

As CEO of the Project LLC (reporting to the Chairman and Board), you will own end-to-end leadership of this high-stakes energy transition venture. You will translate vision into execution in a lean, founder-like environment. This is a “get it done” operating role — strategy, finance, legal coordination, partnerships, compliance, and team building all sit with you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall strategy execution, budget, and milestones for the integrated produced water + SMR nuclear + power + desal + AI infrastructure project.
• Drive TANEO grant compliance, reimbursement draws, and acceleration if awarded.
• Oversee regulatory/permitting (NRC, Texas RRC, ERCOT, environmental), site development, and technical validation with advisors (including nuclear experts).
• Build and manage a high-caliber small team; direct BD/land efforts and key partnerships (e.g., partners and potential off-takers/hyperscalers).
• Prepare the project LLC for successful transfer/sale or scaling, data room readiness, buyer due diligence, economic modeling.
• Manage risk, capital allocation, and stakeholder communications with Board and partners.
• Embody TexasNexus values: speed, integrity, first-principles thinking, and relentless preparation.

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven operator/CEO or GM track record in energy project development, infrastructure, nuclear/supply chain, water midstream, or AI/power-adjacent sectors.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity with limited resources, you’ve built or scaled projects from early stage to inflection.
• Strong in finance, legal/compliance, and government relations (grants, permitting). Texas/Permian experience a major plus.
• High-agency leader who thrives without heavy infrastructure, direct, decisive, and able to wear multiple hats.
• Alignment with the mission: pragmatic energy transition that solves real Permian challenges (water, power, minerals) while creating economic impact.
• AI-powered mindset is critical.

This is not a lifestyle role

It demands intense focus, resilience, and ownership. If you need heavy corporate support systems or predictable hours, this isn’t it.

What We Offer

• Significant equity ownership in the Project LLC with upside tied to successful exit/transfer.
• Grant-backed runway (subject to TANEO award) and credible platform (advisory board, land diligence, strategic narratives).
• Direct impact on Texas energy innovation and AI infrastructure enablement.
• Autonomy to build and lead, with Chairman-level support but no micromanagement.
• Opportunity to transition the asset successfully and potentially continue in a scaled role

How do you know you're the right person?

You will know, and this could be your Shackleton moment, leading a bold, high-consequence venture in the heart of the Permian with lasting legacy.

To Apply

Send your resume, a brief note on why this role resonates (and why you’re built for it), and any relevant project experience to View email address on apply.placed-app.com. No recruiters. Serious candidates only.

We move fast.