Naval Spent Fuel Handling Facility Commissioning and Turnover Manager

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values:
Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career?

The Commissioning and Turnover Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and executing all commissioning and turnover activities for a large-scale construction project involving complex, integrated systems. This role ensures that the Naval Spent Fuel Handling Facility is delivered to end users fully functional, safe, compliant, and aligned with operational needs. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in commissioning management, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary coordination to achieve seamless, efficient project closeout.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and oversee all commissioning and turnover phases for a large-scale, multi-system construction project.
• Manage comprehensive commissioning plans, schedules, protocols, and documentation consistent with project scope and industry standards.
• Manage the performance and contract compliance of third-party commissioning agents, ensuring accountability and providing motivation and direction through complex commissioning processes.
• Coordinate and integrate end-user requirements into commissioning activities and turnover deliverables, ensuring operational readiness at facility acceptance.
• Facilitate communication between construction teams, engineering groups, commissioning agents, vendors, and end users to maintain alignment and resolve issues proactively.
• Ensure commissioning activities adhere to safety, regulatory, and technical compliance requirements.
• Oversee the development, validation, and turnover of all required documentation, including system manuals, test results, training materials, and operational procedures.
• Monitor progress, prepare status reports, and elevate risk items with recommended mitigation strategies.
• Lead turnover meetings, training sessions, demonstrations, and acceptance reviews with stakeholders and end users.
• Support quality assurance programs and implement continuous improvement practices related to commissioning and turnover workflows.

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field; or Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.

• Extensive experience (8+ years preferred) in commissioning and turnover management for large, complex construction projects.
• Proven expertise in managing and directing third-party commissioning agents, including holding contractors accountable for schedule, quality, and performance deliverables.
• Demonstrated success navigating complicated commissioning processes involving mechanical, electrical, control, and specialized facility systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, including end users, executives, engineers, and contractors.
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage large volumes of information and multiple concurrent activities.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration, maintain team motivation, and lead stakeholders through high-pressure project milestones.
• Strong understanding of commissioning best practices, industry standards, documentation requirements, and regulatory frameworks.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and software tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in highly regulated, secure, or mission-critical facilities.
• Professional certifications in commissioning or project management (e.g., CxA, PMP).
• Experience developing and overseeing training programs for facility turnover.

• Familiarity with system integration testing, controls verification, and operational readiness assessments.

• Health,…