What you will do:

In this role, you will help strengthen AECL's informed-owner oversight of nuclear operations and the programs that support safe and effective mission delivery within applicable requirements.

We're looking for a Director, Nuclear Operations Programs who is motivated by operational excellence, nuclear safety, disciplined oversight, and the opportunity to ensure key programs deliver the outcomes AECL requires.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Integrated Mission Delivery, you will provide owner-side oversight of key programs and enabling functions delivered through AECL's contractor-operated model, with a particular focus on excellence in nuclear operations and how nuclear standards are upheld. This includes engineering, site engineering, nuclear criticality safety, regulatory affairs, program performance and effectiveness, governance systems and controls, Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSE&Q), occupational safety and health (OSH), radiation protection (RP), subcontractor safety, and related licensing strategies. Your oversight will help ensure these programs are consistently implemented, integrated across missions, continuously improving, meeting their intended purpose, operating within applicable requirements, and delivering value to AECL's mandate, including safe and secure work, strong nuclear safety culture, nuclear professionalism, effective technical decision-making, visible risks and accountabilities, and credible licensing and regulatory strategies.

You will also provide leadership for AECL's security governance program and oversee CNL's nuclear security and cybersecurity programs and their interfaces with AECL, helping ensure that security considerations align with AECL's obligations, risk posture, and mission priorities.

As a senior leader within AECL's Integrated Mission Delivery function, you will provide assurance to leadership and support informed decisions that protect safety, strengthen nuclear safety culture and nuclear professionalism, and advance mission outcomes.

This is a dynamic opportunity to work closely with leaders and technical experts, while engaging with regulators, government partners, CNL, and industry stakeholders. You will bring strategic thinking, technical judgment, and leadership to complex operational environments, helping AECL maintain its role as an informed owner focused on transparency, accountability, and long-term mission outcomes.

At AECL, we value strong relationships, sound governance, evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship. If you're looking for a role where your expertise helps strengthen operational excellence, nuclear safety outcomes, and mission delivery, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What you bring:

We recognize that no candidate will meet every requirement. If your experience aligns with the core responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Environmental Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional designation such as P.Eng., or certification in risk management, security, emergency management, or program management, is considered an asset.
• Extensive experience in nuclear operations or similarly complex regulated technical environments.
• Experience leading, overseeing, or assessing large multidisciplinary programs or enabling functions in a nuclear, high-hazard, or complex regulated environment, including engineering, site engineering, nuclear criticality safety, regulatory affairs, program performance and effectiveness, governance systems and controls, HSSE&Q, occupational safety and health, radiation protection, safety, licensing, security governance, nuclear security, cybersecurity, or comparable mission-support functions.
• Experience assessing program performance, effectiveness, implementation against applicable requirements, continuous improvement, and value against safety standards and operational expectations.
• Experience within a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GoCo) model or comparable oversight environment is considered an asset.
• Experience working in or overseeing regulated environments, such as CNSC-regulated nuclear activities, occupational safety and health regulated environments, licensing strategies, implementation against applicable requirements, or regulatory oversight, is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of engineering, site engineering, nuclear criticality safety, regulatory affairs, program performance and effectiveness, governance systems and controls, nuclear safety, nuclear safety culture, nuclear professionalism, operational readiness, HSSE&Q, occupational safety and health, radiation protection, licensing considerations, security governance, nuclear security, and cybersecurity within nuclear or similarly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex operational, technical, regulatory, and security matters to executive and external audiences.
• Proven leadership, relationship management, risk management, and decision-making capabilities.

What we bring:

• Salary:
  • The hiring range for this role is between $169,900 and $212,300 based on compensable factors such as qualifications and experience.
  • The full salary range for this role is broader than the hiring range. Employees progress through the salary scale over time in accordance with AECL's compensation philosophy and procedures.
• Benefits:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental benefits through the Government of Canada, providing stability and peace of mind so you can focus on your work and well-being.
  • Participation in the Public Service Pension Plan, an indexed, defined-benefit pension plan that supports long-term financial security and helps you plan confidently for retirement.
  • Vacation, personal and floating days, recognizing the importance of rest and balance in support of your physical and mental wellbeing.
  • A confidential Employee & Family Assistance Program, providing support for you and your family during life's challenges, so help is available when it's needed most.
  • A flexible hybrid work model, supporting focus and flexibility while maintaining strong in-person collaboration through four days in the office or on-site.
  • Paid time off during the year-end holiday period, from December 24 through January 1, giving you dedicated time to rest, recharge, and spend time in ways that matter most to you.
  • Performance-based incentives, reflecting the value of meaningful contributions and delivered outcomes.

What you can expect:

• Location: This role can be based out of AECL's Chalk River, Ontario office location.
• Chalk River Commute: If you will be working at our Chalk River office, you will need your own personal transportation. There is no public transit to the site.
• Hybrid Work Model: AECL follows a hybrid work approach. On-site presence is required four days per week (Monday to Thursday) to support operational needs and role responsibilities.
• Security Clearance: The selected candidate must successfully meet Government of Canada security clearance requirements.
• Application Process: While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Language Preference: Preference may be given to individuals who are bilingual.

Ready to Apply?

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to submit your application.

Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET