Chemical Operations Manager

Chemical Operations Manager

Los Angeles, CA

General Matter enriches uranium. We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US. In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive. Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way. Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable. We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society. We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production. We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency. Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.

About This Role

As a Chemical Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in bringing a state-of-the-art enrichment facility from development through full-scale operations. This role ensures that our chemical operations meet the highest safety, quality, and regulatory standards. You will have the opportunity to work on a groundbreaking project, collaborating with engineering, R&D, procurement, and project teams to identify, procure, and validate the equipment, chemicals, and laboratory capabilities needed to support operations. You will wear multiple hats—developing operational programs and procedures, directing day-to-day chemical operations including process chemistry and chemical waste management, and leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency while maintaining stringent safety standards. You will also build and lead a high-performing team, hiring and developing chemistry supervisors and technicians to support R&D and operations. This includes shift scheduling, performance management, and fostering a strong nuclear safety culture. The role requires close coordination with health physics, quality assurance, environmental compliance, and maintenance departments, as well as ensuring full compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and EPA regulations. This is an exciting opportunity to solve complex problems at scale, lead incident investigations and corrective actions, and bring modern enrichment operations online.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical input for project work plans and schedules, and identifying risks related to production, materials, equipment, or processes that may impact schedule or budget
• In conjunction with industrial health and safety staff, develop required Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and ensure necessary safety protocols, equipment, procedures and training are established to ensure a safe and compliant work environment
• Actively participates in Operations organizational performance monitoring and improvement activities
• Maintaining an understanding of company values and strategic objectives
• Performing additional assignments as requested by management

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in nuclear chemical operations, engineering, project management, or design.
• Comprehensive knowledge of chemical processing, analytical chemistry, and industrial chemistry applications within nuclear environments.
• Experience with laboratory and product quality assurance programs
• Strong knowledge of hazardous materials handling, chemical safety protocols, and emergency response procedures is required.
• Solid interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑motivated and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Preferred Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field is highly desirable.
• Previous experience establishing and certifying chemical laboratories and product certification.
• Strong knowledge of project planning, cost management, budgets, and financial implications.
• Experience with Uranium hexafluoride chemistry and processing
• Candidates must demonstrate thorough understanding of NRC regulations (10 CFR Parts 19, 20, 70, and others as applicable) and nuclear safety principles.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $130,000 to $195,000 annually. Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.