Director, Nuclear Security

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the role

The Director of Nuclear Security serves as the senior operational leader responsible for the protection of The Nuclear Company’s nuclear facilities, personnel, information, and assets. This position ensures full compliance with federal regulations, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 10 CFR Part 73 requirements, and develops and implements a comprehensive security strategy that maintains the highest standards of nuclear safety, physical protection, and operational resilience. The Director leads all site-based nuclear security functions, including armed response, access control, intrusion detection, cyber-physical system integration, and regulatory engagement.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s Nuclear Security Program, aligning with NRC, DOE, DHS, and industry best practices.
• Advise executive leadership on nuclear security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee security governance for all regulated facilities under NRC Part 73, including contingency planning and insider threat mitigation.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with NRC regulations, including 10 CFR 73.55, 73.56, and related subparts governing physical protection, access authorization, and insider mitigation.
• Serve as the principal liaison with NRC regional offices, federal and state law enforcement agencies, and local emergency management authorities.
• Direct periodic performance testing, force-on-force exercises, and security readiness assessments.

Operational Oversight

• Supervise all nuclear site security operations, including guard force management, patrols, tactical response, and access authorization programs.
• Manage the deployment and maintenance of physical and technical security systems, including intrusion detection, CCTV, access control, and alarm response infrastructure.
• Coordinate emergency response integration with local, state, and federal partners.

Personnel and Training

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing nuclear security team, including security managers, supervisors, and armed response personnel.
• Oversee training and qualification programs in accordance with NRC and company standards, including tactical firearms proficiency and scenario-based response drills.
• Support the company’s insider threat program, ensuring robust pre-employment screening and continuous behavioral monitoring.

Risk Management and Technology

• Direct risk assessments and vulnerability analyses for all nuclear facilities.
• Oversee the integration of new technologies, including AI-driven analytics, counter-UAS systems, and autonomous monitoring platforms, to enhance security capabilities.
• Develop and maintain continuity of operations and incident command frameworks.

Budget and Resource Management

• Manage the nuclear physical security budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, contracts, and personnel.
• Develop cost-effective strategies that maintain compliance and readiness while controlling expenditures.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Homeland Security, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive security management experience, with at least 5 years in nuclear, critical infrastructure, or federal regulatory environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of NRC, DOE, and DHS security regulations, including 10 CFR Part 73.
• Proven leadership experience managing armed security forces and emergency response operations.
• Strong understanding of security technologies, including perimeter detection, access control, and video management systems.
• Exceptional communication and liaison skills with government, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies.
• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining required NRC access authorization and security clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Former experience in federal or military nuclear security operations (DoD, DOE, or NNSA preferred).
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Nuclear Security Professional (CNSP), or equivalent certification.
• Experience with AI-enabled threat detection, UAS countermeasures, or fusion-center operations.
• Incident Command System (ICS) or National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $176,000 - $204,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.