Director, Test Operations Engineering

First American Nuclear Co. is dedicated to shaping the future of nuclear innovation through advanced reactor technology. Our mission is to support U.S. energy independence and clean energy advancement while fostering a culture of compliance excellence and professional development.

First American Nuclear Co. is seeking a Director, Test Operations Engineering to lead on-site execution of the EAGL-1 Research and Development test program. In this role, you will own day-to-day operation of test stands and facility hardware, including the CAESAR Loop, the calibration station, and the exposure and coupon stands, directing test schedules, staffing, and execution to meet program milestones and data quality requirements.

This is a site-based leadership role, run independently on site.

• Direct on-site execution of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 test program across all test stands.
• Lead, schedule, and supervise test engineering and technician staff.
• Own test rig setup, commissioning, and operational readiness in coordination with process engineering.
• Ensure test data quality, procedure compliance, and NQA-1 documentation across all test activities.
• Coordinate test schedules against program milestones and critical path items.
• Identify and resolve test execution risks and equipment issues.
• Interface with process engineering (LBE/chemistry) on rig requirements and design inputs.
• Integrate inputs from process engineering, chemistry, design and analysis, laboratory, quality assurance, and procurement into executable test plans and daily test operations.
• Ensure test prerequisites, hold points, procedure readiness, and documentation packages are complete before test stand operation or data acceptance.
• Lead cross-functional resolution of equipment, instrumentation, data-quality, and schedule issues affecting safe and compliant test execution.
• Report test program status and risks to program leadership.
• Support facility safety and EHS compliance during test operations.
• Build and develop the on-site test engineering team.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• Nuclear or thermal test experience sufficient to run the test function independently on site.
• Proven experience directly overseeing on-site test engineering and technician staff, with accountability for staffing, performance management, development, and work allocation.

• Demonstrated proficiency in hands-on test facility leadership, applying established methods, tools, and quality standards to produce accurate, defensible work.
• No certification is required for this role.
• On-site presence is required; this role is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.
• Must satisfy applicable site access, security, background, and export-control requirements; U.S. person status is required under 10 CFR Part 810.

• Nuclear or liquid-metal test facility leadership experience, which shortens ramp-up and strengthens effectiveness in the role.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

First American Nuclear Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, discipline, and termination.

We actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Subject to background investigation and psychological assessment requirements under 10 CFR 73.56 for roles requiring unescorted site access. Subject to the FANCO fitness-for-duty program under 10 CFR Part 26, including testing and behavioral observation. All work performed under the FANCO quality assurance program per 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, and NQA-1. Occasional travel required (up to approximately 10%) for site visits, training, and technical meetings.

Work is performed in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and field or reactor-site environments; reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified employees with disabilities under the ADA.