Nuclear Fuel Optimization Manager

Summary: Southern Nuclear Operating Company's Nuclear Fuel and Analysis Department supports the Southern Nuclear fleet in nuclear fuel, reload analysis, and reactor engineering. This role is responsible for designing and implementing the nuclear fuel technology strategy and technology solutions in accordance with fleet upgrade strategies. As a member of the leadership team, the Nuclear Fuel Optimization Manager will develop and manage a team of engineers and support staff responsible for nuclear fuel transitions, methodology modernizations, and fuel technologies to modernize and optimize the use of nuclear fuel for eight operating units. This role involves implementing strategies to improve fuel performance, reliability, and efficiency (cost reductions). This manager and their respective team will serve as the primary nuclear fuel interface for major asset enhancement initiatives that impact nuclear fuel including power uprates, subsequent license renewals, and cycle extensions. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to provide strategic direction, work cross functionally, and implement delivery of engineering products and advancements in nuclear fuel innovations.

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned personnel, including training, coaching, development, and performance management.

• Leads the development and implementation of risk assessment, change management, and regulatory actions aligned with fuel optimization strategies.

• Stays abreast of ever-changing nuclear fuel technology and industry events impacting nuclear fuel technology and regulatory strategies. Oversee risk assessment of nuclear fuel and reactor core design changes that are outside the experience base of the existing Southern Nuclear fleet.

• Represents Southern Nuclear in external meetings including regulatory interactions with the NRC regarding fuel technology and methodology submittals.

• Provide technical oversight and Southern Nuclear implementation of engineering deliverables from suppliers including nuclear fuel fabricators that support fuel transitions, operating strategy changes, major projects, regulatory submittals (e.g. EPUs and cycle extensions) or technologies outside of the experience base of the existing Southern Nuclear fleet.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited college (preferred) OR Professional Engineer (P.E.) license/certification required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years nuclear industry experience and a minimum of five years of experience in leading nuclear fuel engineering product implementations such a new product line implementation, methodology transitions, or fuel transitions.

• Experience in developing and executing mid-scale projects associated with nuclear fuel technologies.

• Experience with leadership roles associated with nuclear fuel technologies.

• Knowledge of nuclear fuel-related FSAR and Technical Specifications and site procedures for fuel-related operational support.

• Extensive knowledge of fuel engineering industry experience, including operation of nuclear fuel, problems encountered, trends in innovations, and new product implementations.

• Must have knowledge of nuclear fuel generation systems and fuel requirements, reload safety analyses, reactor engineering, nuclear fuel purchasing methodologies, risk management tools and strategies, or government regulations regarding nuclear fuel.

Skills and Behavioral Attributes:

• Demonstrates Our Values (Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance) 

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior-level management and key stakeholders and lead through influence.

• Team player with a collaborative approach to cultivate solutions for the benefit of Southern Nuclear and the nuclear industry.

• Ability to operate successfully in a regulated environment with an understanding and appreciation of risk, compliance, corporate policy and procedures, internal controls and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to lead and develop through change and be recognized as a change agent.

• Demonstrated ability to connect the dots and apply sound business judgment

• Outstanding credibility and ability to build excellent relationships within the company, industry, and with vendors/suppliers.

• High level of written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to relate precise technical recommendations and issues with others within the Southern Nuclear fleet, regulatory agencies, nuclear fuel suppliers, other utility personnel, and various technical industry organizations.

• Knowledgeable about current and future technology trends with the ability to scout and deploy industry-changing technology

• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information, determine solutions, and make quality and timely decisions

Southern Nuclear , a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is a leader among the nation’s nuclear energy facility operators and an innovator in advanced nuclear technologies. Southern Nuclear is an essential part of Southern Company’s energy portfolio, operating over 8,200 MW across eight nuclear energy units in Alabama and Georgia at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala., the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Ga., and the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Ga.

The company recently achieved commercial operation on Vogtle Units 3&4, representing an historic achievement for the nuclear industry and the country. Vogtle Units 3&4 are the first new nuclear units to reach commercial operation and be built in the United States in the last three decades. Southern Nuclear is a recognized leader in the industry in nuclear and fuel innovation, having been the first to deploy Accident Tolerant Fuels and winning over 10 consecutive Top Innovative Practice (TIP) Awards and eight EPRI awards.

For more than 40 years, Southern Nuclear has operated nuclear energy facilities at the highest levels of safety and reliability, generating carbon-free electricity for millions of homes and businesses. The company’s headquarters is in Birmingham, Ala.

Twitter: @SouthernNuclear; Facebook: facebook.com/southernnuclear; www.southernnuclear.com

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 11314

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Nuclear