Associate Nuclear Engineering Technology Jobs in California

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 clean energy solutions that accelerate decarbonization and strengthen domestic energy security.

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO – Nuclear/SMR) will serve as the senior technical executive responsible for the strategic, technical, and regulatory direction of BaRupOn’s SMR and MMR programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CTO will have full ownership of reactor design, NRC licensing strategy, safety case development, and commercialization execution.

This is a founding executive-level position with significant influence over the direction, team, and trajectory of BaRupOn’s nuclear division. The successful candidate will build and lead a growing multidisciplinary technical team and serve as the Company’s primary interface with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other federal and state regulatory bodies.

• Lead pre-application engagement, design certification, and combined license (COL) processes with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Serve as the Company’s primary technical liaison with the NRC, DOE, and relevant federal and state regulatory agencies.
• Lead and coordinate all responses to NRC Requests for Additional Information (RAIs), audits, and public hearings.
• Develop and execute licensing roadmaps that align with the Company’s commercialization timelines and capital strategy.

• Oversee SMR/MMR reactor design and full system integration across nuclear, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and controls (I&C), and safety systems.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable U.S. nuclear codes and standards, including ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, ANSI, and IEEE standards.
• Direct preparation and submission of all licensing documentation, including:
• Safety Analysis Reports (SAR/FSAR)
• Probabilistic Risk Assessments (PRA)
• Environmental Reports (ER) in compliance with NEPA
• Ensure full compliance with 10 CFR Parts 50, 52, and the emerging Part 53 framework for advanced reactors.
• Establish and maintain a technical quality assurance program consistent with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B.

• Lead R&D, prototyping, testing, and demonstration projects within U.S. regulatory frameworks.
• Ensure programs meet key milestones for licensing, construction permit, and operating license approvals.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging reactor technologies, regulatory developments, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions.

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing multidisciplinary nuclear engineering organization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, finance, operations, and executive leadership to align technical strategy with business objectives.
• Represent BaRupOn at industry conferences, DOE forums, NRC public meetings, and with external partners and investors.

• Master’s degree or PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 15–20 years of progressive experience in the U.S. nuclear industry.
• Demonstrated direct experience working with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on reactor licensing, design certification, or regulatory compliance matters.
• Proven executive or senior technical leadership experience at the level of CTO, VP of Engineering, Director of Nuclear, or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with SMR, advanced reactor, or Generation IV technologies.
• Deep working knowledge of:
  > 10 CFR Part 50 – Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities
  > 10 CFR Part 52 – Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants
  > Emerging 10 CFR Part 53 framework for advanced and non-light-water reactors
• Demonstrated experience preparing, submitting, and defending licensing applications, safety analyses, and PRAs before the NRC.
• Ability to obtain, or currently holding, applicable U.S. government security clearance, or eligibility to obtain one.

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States – strongly preferred.
• NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) License – advantageous.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent – preferred.
• Active membership in the American Nuclear Society (ANS) or equivalent U.S. nuclear professional organization.
• Prior experience with DOE Advanced Reactor Demonstration Programs (ARDP) or national laboratory partnerships.

• Base salary: TBD
• 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.

• A founding executive role with real influence over the technical direction, team, and culture of a first‑of‑kind SMR/MMR program in the United States.
• Direct partnership with the CEO and full executive leadership team — no bureaucratic layers between vision and execution.
• Work on high‑impact programs advancing clean energy, domestic energy independence, and decarbonization at a national scale.
• Competitive executive compensation with meaningful equity tied to program and company milestones.
• A company that prioritizes technical excellence, regulatory integrity, and long‑term thinking.

BaRupOn LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.