---
title: 'Reactor Operator at Last Energy'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/reactor-operator-last-energy-bryan-dvv7n9bhwtdb'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Reactor Operator at Last Energy

- **Company:** Last Energy
- **Location:** Bryan, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-04-07
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/last-energy/d53f668a-9f60-4fe7-9d68-b9a8fdc7f1b9

## Job description

Last Energy is seeking an experienced Reactor Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and safe operation of our PWR-5 test reactor. This is a ground-floor opportunity to help establish the operational foundation for a fleet of reactors that will be deployed globally at scale. You will work hands-on with a multidisciplinary team of nuclear engineers, I&C specialists, and plant staff to execute reactor operations safely, reliably, and in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

## Key Duties & Responsibilities

- Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance with approved procedures and technical specifications
- Execute fueling operations, including fuel handling, loading, core management activities, and associated radiological controls
- Perform and document routine surveillances, plant walkdowns, and equipment checks to ensure systems remain within operational limits
- Respond to abnormal and emergency plant conditions; execute abnormal operating procedures (AOPs) and emergency operating procedures (EOPs) as required
- Support the development, review, and validation of plant operating procedures, especially as the PWR-5 design matures toward commercial deployment
- Maintain rigorous configuration control and documentation standards consistent with nuclear quality assurance requirements
- Participate in training, simulator exercises, and qualification programs; support the training of junior operators as applicable
- Interface with regulatory authorities and support inspections, audits, and licensing activities as needed
- Other duties as assigned

## Qualifications

- 2+ years of hands-on reactor operations experience, with demonstrated proficiency in licensed or certified operator duties
- Experience with pressurized water reactor (PWR) or pool-type reactor operations; BWR experience will also be considered
- Direct experience supporting fueling operations, including fuel handling and associated radiological and criticality safety controls
- Strong working knowledge of reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and plant systems as applied to day-to-day operations
- Familiarity with nuclear QA programs, technical specifications, and the regulatory framework governing nuclear plant operations (NRC or equivalent)
- NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent certification (e.g., DOE-facility certification, international equivalent) is preferred
- Experience with small modular reactors (SMRs), research reactors, or naval reactors is preferred
- Familiarity with startup and commissioning activities for new reactor facilities is preferred
- Experience supporting regulatory inspections or participating in licensing submittals is preferred
- Ability to work effectively in a lean, fast-paced startup environment with a "builder" mindset
- Proven ability to execute procedures with a rigorous, questioning attitude and high attention to detail

## About Last Energy

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Last Energy develops and deploys micro modular pressurized water reactor (PWR) power plants using a full-service, factory-built model to deliver clean, reliable, on-site baseload electricity for industrial customers and utilities.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Venture Capital-Backed, Series C)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, USA (also has an office in Washington, D.C.)
- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Founded by the Energy Impact Center (EIC), led by Bret Kugelmass [lastenergy.com/about](https://www.lastenergy.com/about)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Nuclear power generation, clean energy infrastructure, climate technology
- **Target customers**: B2B – data centers, energy-intensive industrial facilities, utilities seeking behind-the-meter or on-premises baseload power [lastenergy.com](https://www.lastenergy.com/)
- **Mission**: “How to deliver abundant, reliable energy fast enough to support modern industry and economic growth” [lastenergy.com/about](https://www.lastenergy.com/about)

## Products & Services
- **PWR-20**: A 20 MWe micro modular nuclear reactor based on proven pressurized water reactor technology. The plant is fully factory-fabricated, uses proprietary steel containment, and is designed for rapid on-site assembly. Last Energy acts as designer, owner, operator, and independent power producer, selling power under long-term purchase agreements [lastenergy.com](https://www.lastenergy.com/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Total disclosed funding raised is **$324 M**; latest round was a **$101 M Series C** completed on July 18, 2025 [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265186-36)
- **Notable Investors**: AE Ventures, Astera Institute, Chaucer Global, Dysruptek, Endowment Arm [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265186-36)
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - 60 employees and growing [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265186-36)
  - 15 active patents, with several recently filed for containment structures [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265186-36)
  - Company status is “Generating Revenue” [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265186-36)
  - Active hiring for key operational roles in Austin, TX [jobs.lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/last-energy)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Full-service delivery model**: Last Energy designs, builds, owns, and operates its plants, removing the need for customers to develop or finance nuclear assets.
- **Proven reactor technology**: Uses standard PWR technology (not novel) combined with factory modularization to reduce construction time and cost.
- **Proprietary steel containment**: Patented containment structures improve safety and simplify siting.
- **Behind-the-meter IPP structure**: Power purchase agreements provide stable revenue while customers get reliable, carbon-free baseload power without capital outlay.

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling the deployment of micro modular reactors to meet soaring electricity demand from AI, data centers, and industrial reshoring.
- Expanding factory production capabilities to accelerate time from order to operation.
- Growing its portfolio of power purchase agreements with utilities and large energy consumers.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Dynamic and passionate team that blends fresh perspectives with seasoned expertise” — described as a fast-growing international team united by a mission to solve one of the hardest problems in energy [lastenergy.com/careers/jobs](https://www.lastenergy.com/careers/jobs)
- **Work policy**: Roles are currently on-site in Austin, TX or Washington, D.C. [jobs.lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/last-energy)
- **Impact**: Opportunity to work on the “most important challenge of our lifetime” with tangible progress toward global clean energy goals.
- **Engineering culture**: Hands-on work with hardware, nuclear systems, and modular manufacturing; strong patent activity indicates a culture of innovation.

## Sources
1. [lastenergy.com](https://www.lastenergy.com/)
2. [lastenergy.com/about](https://www.lastenergy.com/about)
3. [lastenergy.com/careers/jobs](https://www.lastenergy.com/careers/jobs)
4. [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265186-36)
5. [jobs.lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/last-energy)

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