Nicholas Francis
Salem,CT
Summary
Senior leader with 24 years as Program Manager in the Nuclear Submarine Force. Developed and motivated high-performing technicians while enhancing team performance and fostering collaboration. Provided operational oversight and decisive leadership to drive elite engineering teams' success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Nuclear Program Manager (EDMC)
COMSUBRON Four
Groton, CT
11.2024 - Current
- Coached, mentored, and trained six submarine nuclear program managers and senior nuclear project managers in maintenance, operations, and training execution. Their development drove 3 on-schedule deployments and the efficient, timely completion of over 15 submarine maintenance availabilities.
- Provided direct supervision and strategic input to organizational leadership at all levels, ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, procedures, and standards across seven distinct organizations. This oversight resulted in every unit earning satisfactory scores during operational inspections.
- Led audit and inspection teams in the conduct of readiness and certification evaluations, generation of reports, and the formal execution of inspection schedules. Led executive-level briefs and created tailored corrective action and follow-up assessment plans.
- Led nuclear program managers to achieve operational standards and meet safety, quality, and delivery metrics.
- Certified the Engineering Department and crew of one new construction submarine to ensure the satisfactory completion of reactor plant acceptance testing and sea trials.
- Hand-selected by executive leadership to spearhead a rapid change management initiative to overhaul workplace culture and operational standards on PCU ARIZONA. Replaced ineffective leadership structures and rebuilt a high-performing, accountable team.
Senior Repair Program Manager (RDMC)
Naval Submarine Support Facility
Groton, CT
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Directed a cross-functional workforce of 567 military personnel, civilian employees, and defense contractors, driving operational excellence to maintain NSSF's status as a premier submarine repair organization.
- Spearheaded comprehensive talent development initiatives, coaching personnel to achieve 6 top-tier regional performance awards and accelerating the promotion of 28 team members into mid-level and senior management roles.
- Overhauled departmental training and quality assurance programs, cultivating a culture of critical self-assessment that reduced operational rework by 18% and ensured 100% compliance during major regulatory, diving, and calibration audits.
Nuclear Program Manager (EDMC)
USS VIRGINIA
Groton, CT
08.2020 - 12.2023
- Ensured all submarine nuclear operations were in compliance with procedures and regulations. Enabled the unit to receive at-standards scores on all nuclear inspections.
- Led a team of five nuclear project managers to coordinate seamless sequencing and on-time execution of scheduled maintenance and system testing across all mechanical, electrical, emergency, and control systems. This oversight ensured all maintenance periods concluded as planned and enabled the submarine to deploy on schedule
- Oversaw and evaluated a department of 65 nuclear operators, developing targeted training plans and performance goals to elevated individual proficiency and team effectiveness. This leadership enabled 100% on-time operator qualification and ensured safe, reliable nuclear reactor operations during both routine and complex scenarios.
- Impactful engagement and communication with shipyard manager, test organizations, and ship's force personnel during the end game of a 5-year Depot Modernization Period to plan, deconflict, and execute all maintenance and retests. This resulted in the on-time delivery of the submarine to at-sea operations.
Senior Project Manager (CRA)
COMSUBRON Four
Groton, CT
07.2016 - 07.2020
- Coached, mentored, and trained junior project managers in the execution of radiological maintenance, reactor plant and steam plant chemistry controls, and radiation health management. This directly resulted in fewer maintenance stoppages and improved knowledge over multiple units.
- Conducted detailed audits of nuclear maintenance and operational records to verify compliance with rigorous technical standards and regulatory requirements. This resulted in cognizant divisions leading the Atlantic Fleet in inspection and audit results.
- Coordinated complex troubleshooting, radiological maintenance, and retest plans with naval personnel and contractors to ensure vital systems were returned to service effectively and efficiently, resulting in no lost days at sea.
Project Manager (LELT)
USS HELENA
Norfolk, VA
06.2011 - 06.2016
- Directed radiological, reactor plant and steam plant chemistry and radiation health program maintenance requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely completion of all tasks.
- Monitored, evaluated, and qualified Engineering Laboratory Technicians in maintenance operations and routine procedures, achieving 100% qualification rate and fostering safe operations across the unit.
- Led and trained watch teams during high-stress operations, diagnosing complex system faults and executing emergency protocols to mitigate operational impact and risk.
Education
MBA - Project Management
Troy University
Troy, Alabama, AL05.2026
BSAST - Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ06.2019
Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy
New London09.2019
Engineering Department Master Chief
Norfolk, VA10.2020
Nuclear Leading Chief Petty Officer
Norfolk07.2019
Basic Instructor Training
Virginia Beach10.2008
Naval Nuclear Power School
Charleston, SC12.2003
Skills
- Extensive experience in project and program management in nuclear submarines
- Strong program management and planning skills with attention to scheduling and timing
- Extensive experience in process improvement and change management
- Risk management
- Ability to ensure operational readiness through people, processes, and products
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with all levels of management
- Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in solving problems
Timeline
Senior Nuclear Program Manager (EDMC)
COMSUBRON Four
11.2024 - Current
Senior Repair Program Manager (RDMC)
Naval Submarine Support Facility
01.2024 - 11.2024
Nuclear Program Manager (EDMC)
USS VIRGINIA
08.2020 - 12.2023
Senior Project Manager (CRA)
COMSUBRON Four
07.2016 - 07.2020
Project Manager (LELT)
USS HELENA
06.2011 - 06.2016
MBA - Project Management
Troy University
BSAST - Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology
Thomas Edison State University
Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy
Engineering Department Master Chief
Nuclear Leading Chief Petty Officer
Basic Instructor Training
Naval Nuclear Power School