Robert Kirchner

Chemistry Manager at Vogtle 3&4

Evans, Georgia, United States

About

Experienced nuclear professional with 18 years in the industry, including 16 years in plant operations, during which I earned and held a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license. For the past 2 years, I’ve served as a Chemistry Manager, applying a performance-driven mindset to chemistry oversight and departmental leadership. Led the fastest Chemistry Effectiveness Index (CEI) reduction to zero for an AP1000 plant—a first-of-its-kind accomplishment in the industry. Maintain full accountability for department performance, staffing, and budget, consistently meeting or exceeding expectations. Extensive background in plant operations, with experience in control room leadership, procedure execution, and complex plant evolutions. Known for sound operational judgment, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to lead teams in high-reliability environments. Well-suited for leadership roles in operations, chemistry, and strategic support across the energy sector.

Experience

  • Southern Nuclear (On-site)
    • Chemistry Manager
      Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

      • Responsible for the overall management of the Chemistry Department to ensure safe and efficient operation of the plant. • Establish and Maintain appropriate goals, objectives, and high standards for operational activities and hold reports to these standards. • Promote an environment of continuous improvement, effective communications, adherence to high standards, and individual accountability.

    • OCC Shift Outage Manager
      Feb 2024 - Apr 2024 · 3 mos

      • Reinforced both nuclear, industrial safety, and human performance, as the highest priority, to ensure a safe and error free working environment. • Oversaw Unit 4 OCC start up testing from criticality through 100% startup testing. Ensured the OCC was effectively communicating and implementing the schedule, acting on emergent work, and was properly staffed. • Maintained continuous awareness of critical path and near critical path activities, and prioritized emergent work to efficiently and effectively move Unit 4 through startup testing.

    • Shift Supervisor IT
      Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 · 4 mos

  • Senior Reactor Operator at Duke Energy Corporation
    Jun 2021 - Nov 2023 · 2 yrs 6 mos

  • SRO at Exelon
    Jun 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Nuclear Operator at Exelon Nuclear
    Mar 2016 - Jun 2019 · 3 yrs 4 mos

  • Nuclear Auxiliary Operator at SCANA Corporation
    Jun 2014 - Mar 2016 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Inspects construction sites and performs observations on work being performed at a facility designed for AP1000 nuclear reactors; identifies and documents potential deficiencies