Operations Program Manager Jobs in Knoxville, TN

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Position Overview

BWXT is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Program Manager to support execution of complex technical programs within the uranium enrichment business line. Reporting to the Director of Business and Program Management, the Program Manager will coordinate activities across engineering, licensing, operations, and quality teams to ensure program milestones are achieved on time, within scope, and in compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role ideal for candidates with experience managing projects in nuclear, DOE, or similarly regulated environments. The Program Manager will serve as a key liaison between technical contributors, functional departments, and senior leadership, helping translate strategy into action across a fast-paced, mission-critical portfolio.

Location
On-site in Oak Ridge, TN

Your Day to Day as the Program Manager – Enrichment Operations & Nuclear Projects:

• Manage day-to-day execution of assigned programs and projects, ensuring alignment with schedule, scope, budget, and compliance requirements
• Support program planning, budgeting, resource tracking, and risk management under guidance of Director
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, licensing, manufacturing, EH&S, Security, and QA/QC teams
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules and work breakdown structures
• Facilitate meetings, technical reviews, and reporting with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Support the development of program documentation, including Statements of Work (SOW), milestone reports, and regulatory deliverables
• Track and report Earned Value metrics, risks, and performance indicators to leadership
• Assist with internal readiness reviews, quality gates, and regulatory interactions
• Identify process improvements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
• Uphold rigorous safety, security, and quality standards across all program activities

Program Areas May Include:

• Facility construction
• Uranium enrichment technology and infrastructure
• Manufacturing Development
• Capital facility design, startup, and commissioning
• DOE/NNSA-funded nuclear R&D or operational programs
• NRC-licensed operations and quality compliance efforts
• Secure supply chain and enrichment manufacturing systems

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related technical discipline
• 10+  years of experience managing or coordinating technical programs or projects in nuclear, DOE, defense, or regulated industries
• Familiarity with DOE project lifecycle, NRC regulatory structures, or nuclear-grade manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Primavera, or similar project management tools
• Capable of preparing reports, briefings, and supporting sponsor interactions

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance level Q (active clearance strongly preferred).

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP certification or formal project management training.
• Experience supporting uranium enrichment, centrifuge systems, or nuclear fuel cycle operations.
• Prior experience working within NQA-1, 10 CFR Part 70, or DOE Order 413.3B frameworks.
• Experience with risk management, earned value management (EVM), or integrated project teams.
• Understanding of startup, commissioning, and test planning processes for nuclear systems.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $175,000 - $238,000

The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $175,000 and $238,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid (“Agreement”). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com. #LI-BT1