Head of Finance / Project Finance Specialist (SMR / MMR Programs)

Head of Finance / Project Finance Specialist (SMR / MMR Programs) Irvine, CA Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Investment Finance advising Master's degree in accounting Financial forecasting Budget management Strategic management Internal controls Economics CPA Financial model construction Financial model development Bachelor's degree in finance Regulatory compliance ERP systems Collaborating with government agencies Bachelor's degree in economics Financial performance report preparation Compliance management implementation Finance Master's degree Finance experience within energy industry Team development Business development Managing budgets in a finance role Mergers and acquisitions analysis Presentation skills Bachelor's degree Team management Business development within government GAAP Financial control management Business development within the energy industry Grant proposals Master's degree in finance Mentoring Business development within finance Cost estimates Financial regulatory compliance Accounting standards Bachelor's degree in accounting Senior level Strategic partnerships Chartered Financial Analyst Accounting Communication skills Technical Proficiency Project stakeholder communication Internal financial audits Stakeholder relationship building Investor relations Senior leadership Stakeholder management 10 years Full Job Description Role Summary BaRupOn LLC is seeking a highly experienced Head of Finance / Project Finance Specialist to own the financial strategy, capital planning, and investment structuring for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) programs in the United States. This is a senior executive role with direct authority over all financial functions tied to BaRupOn's nuclear program portfolio — from early-stage project economics and funding structure design through capital deployment, investor reporting, and long-term financial planning. The Head of Finance will serve as the CEO's primary financial advisor on program investment decisions and will be responsible for ensuring every dollar committed to the program is backed by rigorous analysis, disciplined risk management, and a clear path to return. The ideal candidate brings deep project finance experience in the U.S. energy or nuclear sector, a strong command of capital markets and federal funding mechanisms relevant to advanced nuclear, and the executive credibility to engage investors, government partners, and lenders with confidence. This person will work in close partnership with the Program Director, engineering leadership, and regulatory teams to ensure financial plans are fully integrated with technical and licensing realities. Key Responsibilities Financial Strategy & Capital Planning Develop, own, and continuously refine BaRupOn's financial strategy for SMR/MMR program development, including capital allocation frameworks, funding roadmaps, and long-range financial planning.

Lead project financing activities:

structuring debt, equity, and hybrid capital arrangements for large-scale nuclear projects, including construction financing, project bonds, and tax equity structures where applicable. Build and maintain detailed financial models covering project cost estimates, cash flow projections, sensitivity analyses, return scenarios, and capital efficiency metrics across all active programs. Evaluate capital investment decisions against program risk profiles, regulatory milestones, and strategic priorities, providing clear financial recommendations to the CEO and board. Federal Funding, Grants & Public-Private Partnerships Identify, evaluate, and pursue U.S. federal funding opportunities relevant to advanced nuclear development, including DOE loan guarantees, grants, cost-share programs, and public-private partnership structures. Lead financial proposal development for federal funding applications, coordinating inputs from engineering, licensing, and project development teams to produce compelling, technically grounded submissions. Manage ongoing relationships with DOE, OMB, and other federal financial stakeholders, ensuring BaRupOn remains well-positioned to access emerging government funding mechanisms for advanced nuclear. Program Financial Management & Compliance Collaborate with the Program Director and engineering leadership to align project budgets with technical scope, regulatory milestones, and schedule requirements, ensuring financial plans reflect real program complexity. Oversee financial reporting, budget tracking, and cost forecasting across all active programs, providing executive leadership with timely and accurate visibility into program financial performance. Ensure full compliance with U.S. financial laws, GAAP accounting standards, and any NRC-related project financial requirements, including financial assurance obligations tied to decommissioning planning. Develop and implement financial controls, procurement policies, and internal audit processes appropriate for a regulated nuclear program environment. Investor Relations & Stakeholder Reporting Manage investor relations, funding proposals, and financial communications to existing and prospective investors, lenders, and strategic partners with clarity, precision, and credibility. Prepare board-level financial reporting packages, investment committee materials, and executive briefings that translate complex program financials into clear strategic narratives. Support business development and partnership negotiations by providing financial analysis, deal structuring input, and commercial term evaluation. Represent BaRupOn in financial forums, investor conferences, and capital markets engagements related to advanced nuclear project finance. Team Leadership Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team capable of supporting BaRupOn's growing program portfolio and capital needs. Establish financial planning processes, modeling standards, and reporting frameworks that scale with the organization and meet the expectations of institutional investors and government partners. Required Experience & Qualifications Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a closely related field. 10+ years of progressive experience in project finance, capital planning, or corporate finance, with direct experience in U.S. energy infrastructure or nuclear projects strongly preferred. Demonstrated track record structuring and closing financing for large-scale capital projects, including familiarity with project finance structures, debt instruments, and equity arrangements. Strong working knowledge of U.S. nuclear project economics, NRC licensing cost implications, and the financial risk profile of advanced reactor development programs. Proven ability to build complex financial models, perform rigorous investment analysis, and evaluate risk in technically complex, long-horizon capital projects. Executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience presenting financial strategy to boards, investors, and government counterparts. Preferred Skills & Certifications Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation - preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - advantageous. Direct experience with DOE loan guarantee programs (Title XVII), DOE grants, and nuclear-specific federal funding mechanisms. Familiarity with nuclear decommissioning financial assurance requirements and NRC financial qualification standards. Advanced proficiency in financial modeling tools (Excel, Argus, or equivalent), ERP platforms, and executive reporting systems. Experience supporting M&A activity, strategic partnerships, or project asset transactions in the energy sector. Why Join BaRupOn LLC Own the financial architecture of one of the most ambitious advanced nuclear programs in the U.S. — with a direct seat at the executive table and real influence over how the company funds and grows its portfolio. Direct reporting relationship to the CEO, with meaningful involvement in company strategy, capital decisions, and investor relationships from day one. Competitive executive compensation and benefits, including equity participation tied to program and company milestones. Work alongside top-tier technical, regulatory, and project development leadership in a company that moves decisively and rewards financial discipline and strategic thinking equally. A rare opportunity to help shape the financial foundation of next-generation U.S. nuclear energy — at a company building for the long term. Equal Opportunity Statement BaRupOn LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.