Licensing Manager - Recycling

SHINE Technologies LLC•Janesville, WI

52m•$160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

SHINE is seeking a licensing leader for its used nuclear fuel (UNF) Recycling product line. The Licensing Manager leads the licensing work needed to develop and operate the Recycling Pilot facility, from pre-application engagement through NRC review and license issuance and into operation. The role builds and leads the licensing team and serves as SHINE’s primary interface with regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Working alongside the Director of Engineering & Chief Engineer – Recycling, who owns the facility’s requirements set, the Licensing Manager translates graded, first-principles requirements into defensible regulatory positions. The role requires judgment in distinguishing regulatory requirements from assumptions based on precedent, evaluating licensing risk and benefit, and deciding when to challenge or maintain a position. The manager owns the Pilot facility’s licensing scope, schedule, and budget; develops and executes the licensing strategy; leads regulatory engagements and reviews; and oversees licensing correspondence and the licensing basis. As the facility approaches operation, the manager will build the program for overseeing compliance with license conditions and applicable regulations. The position has a base salary range of $160,000–$200,000 per year, plus a comprehensive compensation package. Within the first eighteen months, success means submitting a construction permit application or equivalent for the Pilot facility to the NRC or DOE, and hiring and retaining a licensing team that produces the application to a defined standard.

Requirements

Evidence of leading a licensing action to a decision, owning an NRC, Agreement State, or DOE submittal from strategy through issuance, and being able to describe what they would do differently.
Evidence of building or leading a licensing or regulatory team, including recruiting or developing staff who stayed and maintaining hiring standards under pressure.
Demonstrated judgment in challenging regulatory conservatism or precedent, finding a path that was as safe or safer and materially faster or less expensive, and obtaining regulator acceptance.
Ability to critically evaluate information and ask questions when things do not make sense.
Ability to think strategically and take decisive action after gathering necessary information.
Ability to navigate interconnected regulatory requirements and guidance, determine what applies or does not apply, and identify what can be challenged.
Demonstrated knowledge of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, especially 10 CFR Part 50 or Part 70 and guidance applicable to fuel cycle facilities, and of NRC and Agreement State licensing processes; alternatively, knowledge of DOE equivalents, including 10 CFR Part 830 safety-basis requirements and the DOE safety-basis review and approval process.
Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels and interface with regulators, contractors, and suppliers.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a scientific discipline, or a related field, or equivalent experience such as a Senior Reactor Operator License or experience in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
At least 7 years of nuclear experience in regulatory affairs, engineering, operations, or quality assurance, including experience leading licensing work.
Ability to remain stationary, such as standing or sitting, for extended periods; move within facility environments; and handle standard equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work occasionally in controlled radiation areas under supervision and within regulatory exposure limits, and to use personal protective equipment.
Ability to work in an environment that may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, or loud noises, and to follow basic safety precautions around hazards or physical risks.
Eligibility to qualify for access to information subject to U.S. Export Controls; eligibility may also depend on meeting NRC requirements for access to Safeguards Information, typically including a pre-employment drug screen, fingerprinting, and criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience licensing a new nuclear facility under any part of 10 CFR or the DOE framework, rather than amending an existing license.
Experience under both the NRC and DOE regulatory frameworks.
Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle processes, particularly aqueous separations.
Experience with pre-application engagement and topical reports for novel facility designs.
Experience participating in NRC rulemaking or industry regulatory initiatives.

Responsibilities

Build and lead the Recycling licensing team, including hiring, developing, and managing staff performance and setting standards for complete, accurate, and defensible work.
Own licensing scope, schedule, and budget for the Pilot facility.
Set the tone for a long regulatory engagement, exercising judgment about which issues warrant contesting.
Align technical and licensing deliverables, and coordinate the licensing schedule with the engineering schedule.
Define, develop, and execute SHINE’s UNF recycling licensing strategy, including the licensing pathway, regulatory engagement plan, and sequencing of pre-application engagement, application, and review.
Partner with the Director of Engineering & Chief Engineer to develop defensible regulatory positions, translate graded requirements into positions the regulator can accept, propose alternatives, and present them to the NRC.
Explicitly weigh risks and benefits in licensing decisions, avoid unjustifiable commitments, maintain supported positions under pressure, and revise positions when evidence warrants it.
Own licensing correspondence to regulatory agencies, including license applications, amendment requests, application supplements, responses to requests for additional information, and exemption requests.
Own the Recycling licensing basis, including Safety Analysis Reports for SHINE facilities licensed under 10 CFR Part 50 or Part 70 and the programs described in those reports.
Plan and lead pre-application regulatory engagements, regulatory reviews, and oversight activities with the NRC and other regulatory agencies.
Ensure regulatory-agency documents, such as Safety Evaluation Reports and Inspection Reports, are accurate and consistent with the applicable SHINE licensing basis.
Prepare and deliver licensing presentations to internal and external organizations.
Lead resolution of key strategic licensing issues.
Participate in industry-led and regulator-led regulatory activities, including rulemaking and guidance development affecting UNF recycling.
Identify and evaluate key licensing risks, develop solutions, and communicate them to senior management.
As the facility approaches operation, build the program overseeing compliance with license conditions and applicable regulations.
Within the first eighteen months, submit a construction permit application or equivalent for the Pilot facility to the NRC or DOE, and hire and retain a team that produces the application to a defined standard.