Chief Nuclear Officer (Nuclear Safety, Operations & Regulatory Compliance – SMR/MMR Programs)

BaRupOn LLC•Irvine, CA

About The Position

BaRupOn LLC is a vertically integrated American company with operations spanning energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, headquartered in Irvine, California. BaRupOn is advancing its entry into clean energy through the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) technologies across the United States. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative nuclear energy solutions that accelerate decarbonization and strengthen domestic energy security. Position Overview The Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO) will serve as BaRupOn’s executive authority on nuclear safety, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance across all SMR and MMR programs. While the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) leads reactor design, R&D, and technical licensing, the CNO owns a distinct and equally critical mandate: ensuring that all programs are built and operated with an uncompromising nuclear safety culture, full NRC compliance, and the operational discipline required to meet and exceed regulatory standards. This is a founding executive-level position. The CNO will establish BaRupOn’s nuclear safety framework from the ground up, build the safety and operations organization, and serve as the Company’s final internal authority on all matters related to nuclear safety, corrective action, event reporting, and operational governance. The CNO and CTO will work in close partnership, with the CNO holding ultimate authority on all safety-significant decisions.

Requirements

Master’s degree or PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
Minimum 15 to 20 years of progressive experience in the U.S. nuclear industry, with significant tenure in nuclear safety, operations, or regulatory compliance leadership.
Direct experience as a CNO, VP of Nuclear Safety, Director of Nuclear Oversight, or equivalent senior nuclear safety leadership role at a licensed U.S. nuclear facility.
Demonstrated direct experience interfacing with the NRC on inspection, compliance, and enforcement matters.
Deep working knowledge of: 10 CFR Part 50 – including Appendix B (Quality Assurance) and all operational compliance requirements 10 CFR Parts 50.72 and 50.73 – event reporting requirements 10 CFR Parts 52 and the emerging Part 53 framework for advanced reactors INPO principles and nuclear safety culture standards
Experience establishing or leading a Corrective Action Program (CAP) at a licensed U.S. nuclear facility.
Experience with SMR, advanced reactor, or Generation IV technologies strongly preferred.
Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. and eligible to obtain applicable DOE and/or NRC security clearances.

Nice To Haves

NRC Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) License – strongly preferred.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in a relevant discipline – preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification – preferred.
Active membership in the American Nuclear Society (ANS) or other recognized U.S. nuclear professional organizations.
Experience with DOE national laboratory programs, NEPA processes, and advanced reactor demonstration initiatives.
Familiarity with digital I&C systems, passive safety system design, and modular construction methodologies.

Responsibilities

Establish, champion, and continuously strengthen BaRupOn’s nuclear safety culture across all programs, teams, and contractors.
Chair or oversee the Company’s Nuclear Safety Review Committee (NSRC), ensuring independent oversight of all reactor programs.
Develop and maintain nuclear safety policies, standards, and governance frameworks aligned with NRC requirements and INPO guidelines.
Serve as the final internal authority on all safety-significant decisions, with authority to halt activities that pose unacceptable safety risk.
Ensure full and sustained compliance with 10 CFR Parts 50, 52, 53, and all applicable license conditions and technical specifications.
Oversee preparation and timely submission of all event reports, Licensee Event Reports (LERs), and 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73 notifications to the NRC.
Lead the Company’s interface with the NRC Resident Inspector program and regional offices, ensuring transparency and cooperative regulatory engagement.
Manage NRC inspection findings, notices of violation, and corrective action commitments, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
Establish and oversee BaRupOn’s Corrective Action Program (CAP) in accordance with 10 CFR 50, Appendix B.
Drive a culture of problem identification and resolution with a low threshold for issue entry and rigorous root cause analysis for significant conditions.
Track and trend CAP metrics, identify systemic issues, and report program health to executive leadership and the Board.
Lead all operational readiness reviews and pre-startup assessments prior to licensing milestones and initial operations.
Establish and maintain nuclear operations procedures, work management systems, and outage planning processes.
Oversee radiation protection, nuclear security, emergency preparedness, and industrial safety programs.
Ensure all personnel with nuclear safety responsibilities are qualified, trained, and licensed per NRC requirements.
Build, lead, and mentor BaRupOn’s nuclear safety and operations organization, including health physics, security, emergency preparedness, and quality assurance functions.
Partner with the CTO, CEO, CFO, and Board on safety performance, program status, and strategic risk management.
Represent BaRupOn with the NRC, DOE, industry organizations, and stakeholders as the Company’s nuclear safety authority.

Benefits

Base salary commensurate with qualifications and experience — details provided during the interview process.
Executive equity participation, subject to the terms of the Company’s equity compensation plan and applicable vesting schedule.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off, sick leave, and Company-observed holidays, in accordance with applicable law and Company policy.
401(k) or retirement savings plan, subject to plan terms and eligibility periods.
Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate.

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