Commercialization Strategy Manager
About NANO Nuclear Energy
NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core Battery Reactor—advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure—the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.
Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems.
Position Overview
NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Commercialization Strategy Manager to own the development and execution of commercial programs that will enable the company to scale its reactor deployment operations. This role sits at the intersection of business strategy, technical product development, and customer engagement, requiring someone who can build from the ground up, translate complex technical capabilities into market-ready offerings, and drive adoption across a diverse customer base.
The ideal candidate will work closely with the VP of Corporate Development and collaborate across engineering, business development, finance, legal, and operations teams to design and launch the commercial frameworks that will underpin NANO Nuclear’s growth. This role will primarily focus on reactor commercialization but may also support NANO’s fuel cycle and logistics business lines as the company scales.
This position is well suited for a technically credentialed professional with hands-on experience commercializing first-of-a-kind technology in a high-growth, capital-intensive environment who thrives in ambiguous, fast-moving conditions and can operate comfortably from strategy through execution.
Responsibilities
Commercial Program Development
• Design and structure commercial program offerings for NANO Nuclear’s reactor products, including service model architecture, licensing-as-a-service programs, pricing structures, maintenance plans, and refueling programs that give the business development team concrete, market-ready offerings to bring to customers.
• Build and iterate commercial models based on customer feedback, market dynamics, and operational learnings.
• Develop scalable commercial structures that can support multi-unit reactor deployments, establishing the programmatic and contractual foundations required to grow from first-of-a-kind demonstration projects to fleet-scale operations.
• Translate complex technical capabilities and regulatory requirements into clear, compelling commercial structures accessible to a broad range of customers and partners.
Commercial Support & Customer Engagement
• Support customer engagements in collaboration with the business development team, serving as the subject matter expert on NANO Nuclear’s commercial programs, service models, and contractual structures.
• Develop clear, audience-appropriate materials and presentations that explain commercial offerings to prospective customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Translate the technical and programmatic details of reactor service models into terms that are accessible and compelling for non-technical decision makers.
Vendor & Supply Chain Development
• Support engineering teams in identifying, evaluating, and onboarding vendors and service providers required to deliver and sustain commercial reactor programs.
• Build scalable vendor and partnership frameworks that support program growth and larger development projects over time.
• Define product and service requirements, development milestones, and contractual structures in coordination with legal and engineering teams.
Cross-Functional Program Execution
• Coordinate across engineering, operations, legal, business development, and finance teams to ensure commercial programs are executable, financially sound, and aligned with NANO Nuclear’s technical roadmap, providing the strategic and operational context needed to inform financial analysis and investment decisions.
• Track commercial program milestones, identify risks, and drive resolution across workstreams.
• Support NANO Nuclear’s fuel cycle and logistics business lines as needed, applying commercialization frameworks developed for the reactor program to adjacent opportunities.
Commercial Program Development
• Design and structure commercial program offerings for NANO Nuclear’s reactor products, including service model architecture, licensing-as-a-service programs, pricing structures, maintenance plans, and refueling programs that give the business development team concrete, market-ready offerings to bring to customers.
• Build and iterate commercial models based on customer feedback, market dynamics, and operational learnings.
• Develop scalable commercial structures that can support multi-unit reactor deployments, establishing the programmatic and contractual foundations required to grow from first-of-a-kind demonstration projects to fleet-scale operations.
• Translate complex technical capabilities and regulatory requirements into clear, compelling commercial structures accessible to a broad range of customers and partners.
Commercial Support & Customer Engagement
• Support customer engagements in collaboration with the business development team, serving as the subject matter expert on NANO Nuclear’s commercial programs, service models, and contractual structures.
• Develop clear, audience-appropriate materials and presentations that explain commercial offerings to prospective customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Translate the technical and programmatic details of reactor service models into terms that are accessible and compelling for non-technical decision makers.
Vendor & Supply Chain Development
• Support engineering teams in identifying, evaluating, and onboarding vendors and service providers required to deliver and sustain commercial reactor programs.
• Build scalable vendor and partnership frameworks that support program growth and larger development projects over time.
• Define product and service requirements, development milestones, and contractual structures in coordination with legal and engineering teams.
Cross-Functional Program Execution
• Coordinate across engineering, operations, legal, business development, and finance teams to ensure commercial programs are executable, financially sound, and aligned with NANO Nuclear’s technical roadmap, providing the strategic and operational context needed to inform financial analysis and investment decisions.
• Track commercial program milestones, identify risks, and drive resolution across workstreams.
• Support NANO Nuclear’s fuel cycle and logistics business lines as needed, applying commercialization frameworks developed for the reactor program to adjacent opportunities.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, physics, business, or a related technical or commercial field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in technology commercialization, business development, product development, or a related role, with demonstrated ownership of go-to-market or commercial program development.
• Proven ability to build commercial programs from the ground up in a startup or early-stage environment.
• Experience translating complex technical concepts into market-ready value propositions for diverse audiences including executives, engineers, and customers.
• Track record of securing customers, partners, or cooperative agreements in a technically complex, capital-intensive environment.
• Comfort operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with limited institutional infrastructure.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in a technical field strongly preferred.
• Experience in nuclear energy, advanced energy, aerospace, defense, or another first-of-a-kind technology sector.
• Familiarity with DOE programs, federal funding mechanisms, or government contracting environments.
• Experience structuring cooperative agreements, licensing arrangements, or service contracts for emerging technology.
• Prior experience managing or developing vendor and manufacturing partnerships to support technology scale-up.
What We Offer
• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.
•The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
Equal Opportunity Statement
NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.