Open to opportunities

Matthew Caldwell

@matthewcaldwell

Nuclear-trained reactor operations professional delivering compliant, safe execution of enrichment and propulsion systems.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can operate and maintain nuclear enrichment or reactor systems with uncompromising DOE/NRC compliance and safety—partnering with R&D and regulatory teams to deliver reliable, mission-ready performance.

I’m a nuclear-trained U.S. Navy veteran with 8+ years of reactor operations, electrical systems, and leadership experience. I currently operate advanced enrichment systems at Global Laser Enrichment under DOE Q clearance, supporting real-world isotope separation mission execution.

At Global Laser Enrichment, I operate and monitor nuclear enrichment facility systems as part of the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment program. I perform system checks, troubleshooting, and maintenance with strict adherence to DOE and NRC safety and regulatory requirements, including LOTO, equipment isolation, and safe work practices.

I bring strong nuclear regulatory discipline through reactor startup, shutdown, and casualty response capabilities, plus procedure writing and documentation control. I also execute radioactive material sampling, radiation control (RadCon), and uranium inventory accountability (MC&A) in compliance with DOE requirements, while collaborating with R&D and regulatory personnel to integrate new operational methods.

Earlier, I led and trained Reactor Department personnel aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73), directing training and qualification programs and overseeing operational readiness for Navy nuclear standards. I also supervised instrumentation and control maintenance for nuclear propulsion plants and served as a staff instructor at the Nuclear Power Training Unit, mentoring hundreds of Sailors through instruction and qualification cycles.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Nuclear Facilities Operator

Current

Global Laser Enrichment

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Operated and monitored nuclear enrichment facility systems as part of the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment program, supporting pilot-scale demonstration testing at TRL 6. Ensured DOE and NRC-aligned safety, conducted LOTO/equipment isolation, and maintained radioactive sampling and uranium inventory accountability (MC&A) under DOE Q clearance.

Q Clearance Nuclear Enrichment Operations Uranium MC&A Regulatory Compliance Troubleshooting Technical Documentation

Reactor Training Leading PO

USS George Washington (CVN-73)

Aug 2023 - Jul 2024 (11 months)

Directed reactor training and qualification programs to ensure Reactor Department personnel maintained operating licenses, and audited worldwide propulsion plant incidents to prevent safe-operations deficiencies. Coordinated deliverables and study materials, and supported successful completion of the Operations Reactor Safeguards Exam (ORSE) after Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

Reactor Training & Qualification Maintaining Licenses ORSE Readiness RCOH Compliance Support Knowledge Management

Reactor Control Leading PO

USS George Washington (CVN-73)

Nov 2022 - Aug 2023 (9 months)

Planned daily reactor operations for 36 Sailors, providing mentorship and professional development. Certified maintenance qualifications, verified maintenance documentation accuracy, and coordinated with Naval Nuclear Laboratory physicists during initial criticality and subsequent physics testing for a new reactor core.

Reactor Operations Team Leadership Maintenance Qualification Certification Documentation Verification Initial Criticality Support Physics Testing Coordination Mentorship & Development Supervisory Planning

Reactor Control Maintenance Technician

USS George Washington (CVN-73)

Nov 2020 - Nov 2022 (2 years)

Supervised teams performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on instrumentation and control systems for nuclear propulsion plants. Ensured procedural compliance and safe work practices while supporting system readiness reports and maintenance documentation under supervisory watch.

Instrumentation & Control Maintenance Troubleshooting System Readiness Reporting Supervisory Watch

Staff Instructor (Nuclear Power)

U.S. Navy

Mar 2018 - Nov 2020 (2 years 8 months)

Trained and certified new Reactor Operators in nuclear theory, electronics, instrumentation, and safe reactor operations. Supervised and mentored hundreds of Sailors through academic instruction and qualification cycles, and guided written/oral/practical examinations to ensure operational readiness and Navy nuclear standards compliance.

Nuclear Power Instruction Reactor Operations Exam Administration Qualification Cycle Mentoring

Nuclear Power Pipeline Student

U.S. Navy

Aug 2016 - Mar 2018 (1 year 7 months)

Completed the Navy Nuclear Power Program (18-month academic and operational pipeline) focused on nuclear reactor theory, radiation protection, chemistry, and heat transfer/fluid flow. Performed reactor startup, shutdown, and casualty response on an operational nuclear reactor while passing DoD/DoE-governed written, oral, and practical examinations.

Radiation Protection Reactor Startup Shutdown Casualty Response Nuclear Power School Chemistry Fundamentals Written Oral Practical Exams

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Excelsior University

Bachelor of Science, Nuclear Engineering Technology

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology (ABET-accredited), with 80 credits completed and expected completion in 2026.

U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program

Nuclear Power Program (training), Naval Nuclear Propulsion

2016 - 2018

Completed the Navy Nuclear Power Program (an intensive academic and operational training pipeline) including Nuclear Electronic Technician “A” School, Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Power Training Unit.