Personal Spotlight: Luke Reves' Journey in the Nuclear Industry

Luke Reves, the QA Manager for Nuclear Electronic Solutions (NES), has been a part of the nuclear industry for approximately eight years. His career has been driven by a passion for sustainable energy and a commitment to excellence in the field.

Educational Background and Career Beginnings

Luke's interest in nuclear engineering was sparked by his belief in its potential to generate vast amounts of energy without releasing carbon emissions. He views nuclear energy as a crucial solution to meeting society’s growing energy needs while reducing our carbon footprint. His journey in the field began during college when he interned at Innovative Development as an electronics engineer. In this role, Luke and his fellow interns were the design leads on their projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. After graduation, he sought a permanent career and was fortunate to find opportunities in his hometown, home to two nuclear units.

Work Experience and Key Milestones

Luke's professional journey includes significant achievements in both nuclear and non-nuclear roles. He joined a machine-building startup in a leadership capacity, where he and his small team built and shipped nearly 100 machines over three years. His work in the nuclear industry earned him an NAYGN Excellence Award, and he was chosen to lead a chapter of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN). Among his technical accomplishments, Luke designed and built a radiation dose rate display.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Throughout his career, Luke has faced and overcome considerable challenges. One of the most notable was joining a startup with zero infrastructure, where he was responsible for creating procedures, populating an ERP system, writing technical manuals, and designing control systems. The COVID-19 pandemic further tested his abilities, particularly in managing supply chain disruptions to ensure machine delivery schedules were met without compromising quality.

Luke advises those entering the nuclear industry to take on difficult projects to become experts in their fields and to develop leadership and communication skills alongside their technical abilities. He has learned that clear and concise communication is vital for reducing project errors and delays, a lesson that has been key to his success.

Looking Ahead

Luke is optimistic about the future of nuclear energy, noting the substantial investments currently being made in research and development for next-generation nuclear systems. He sees this as an exciting time for the industry, full of opportunities for innovation and growth.

As he looks to the future, Luke is focused on supporting the viability of nuclear energy as a key component of our energy portfolio. His goals include expanding NES to serve a broader customer base with its technical expertise and helping utilities reduce costs to ensure that nuclear power remains economically competitive.

Luke Reves’ career is a testament to his dedication to sustainable energy and his ability to lead and innovate in challenging environments. His insights and experience serve as a valuable resource for those looking to make their mark in the nuclear industry.