Director, Site Deployment

Humanity faces two critical challenges: securing reliable energy and aggressively lowering our environmental impact. At Forge, we believe nuclear fission is the key to solving both at once. Today Forge is developing the technology to rapidly scale the deployment of nuclear fission.

Director, Site Deployment

As the Director of Site Deployment, this position involves establishing the site deployment organization behind our first nuclear reactor – Ember, and growing it from its first hires into the team that turns factory-built hardware into operating power plants. The role owns deployment end to end, from greenfield site development through construction, installation and integration of factory-shipped modules, commissioning, and reactor operations. It is equal parts program leadership and field execution, directing engineers, technicians, and construction contractors to bring sites online safely, on schedule, and on budget. Successful candidates will have previously led large construction, deployment, or commissioning programs for complex hardware or infrastructure, and will be highly motivated to power humanity with abundant, clean energy.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, build, and lead the site deployment team, including civil and operations engineers and the welding and integration technicians who assemble reactor systems in the field
• Own the deployment program end to end, from greenfield site development through construction, module installation and integration, commissioning, and reactor operations
• Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and risk across multiple concurrent site deployments, developing project requirements and cost estimates with internal and external stakeholders
• Select and manage construction contractors and subcontractors, from bid and contract negotiation through on-site supervision, quality control, and conflict resolution
• Lead site development and permitting, coordinating with utility providers, transportation departments, and local, state, and federal agencies
• Plan and execute the transport, rigging, and placement of factory-built modules, and oversee field integration including welding, piping, electrical, and pressure testing to factory standards
• Develop rapid, repeatable deployment processes and playbooks so each successive site comes online faster and cheaper than the last
• Own commissioning and startup testing, and establish the staffing, procedures, and maintenance programs for ongoing reactor operations
• Ensure a strong focus on safety and maintain an excellent safety record across construction, integration, and operations
• Partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to feed field lessons back into the reactor design and factory processes
• Coordinate cross-functionally with regulatory, licensing, and commercial teams throughout each deployment
• Monitor and communicate program status, readiness, and risks to leadership

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in construction, field engineering, commissioning, or operations of complex hardware or infrastructure
• 2+ years of direct leadership experience leading engineers, technicians, or construction contractors

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience delivering large capital projects such as power plants, industrial facilities, launch or test sites, or data centers
• Experience leading multiple concurrent field programs or site deployments
• Experience managing construction contractors, including bidding, contract negotiation, and field oversight
• Experience integrating and commissioning complex electromechanical systems in the field
• Working knowledge of field construction methods such as heavy rigging and lift planning, field welding, and pressure testing
• Experience with permitting and agency coordination for industrial or energy facilities
• Experience in power plant construction, startup, or operations; nuclear experience is a strong plus
• Professional Engineer license or project management certifications such as Project Management Professional
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, representing the company to contractors, officials, and senior leadership
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment

Additional Requirements

• Position will be based in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County and will require relocation if not already local. The position will be full-time in the office.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Ability to travel extensively to reactor deployment sites in other states, including extended on-site assignments during construction, integration, and startup

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:

Director: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00/per year + equity

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Forge. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or stock options, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, paid parental leave, and various other perks. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Forge 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.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.