Casey Downs

About Casey Downs

I am an engineering and operations leader with nearly 30 years of experience delivering results across DOE capital projects, NRC-regulated nuclear plants, and complex industrial facilities. I specialize in aligning multidisciplinary teams to achieve mission-critical objectives safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.Currently, I lead the BOF/LAB Engineering Team at the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, guiding engineering, operations, and maintenance teams through commissioning, operational readiness, preventive maintenance optimization, and capital project execution. My work focuses on solving complex technical challenges, prioritizing risk-based activities, and ensuring both systems and personnel are fully prepared for high-stakes operations.I am also deeply committed to mentoring and developing teams, fostering ownership, continuous learning, and a strong nuclear safety culture. I strive to strengthen technical programs, grow talent pipelines, and contribute to long-term mission success.

Experience

1. Engineering Manager

   Amentum

   Dec 2022 — Present · Richland, WA, US

   Lead a multidisciplinary team across the Analytical Laboratory and Balance of Facilities (BOF), overseeing engineering, operations, and maintenance activities to ensure system readiness, reliability, and mission-critical performance. Responsible for strategic planning, resource management, and alignment of work with the Production Control Schedule (PCS) in support of DFLAW commissioning and Low-Activity Waste (LAW) operations.Key contributions:Operational Leadership: Directed preventive and corrective maintenance prioritization, milestone coordination, and risk-based work sequencing for key processes including Melter Heat-up, CCMA, Operational Readiness, and Hot Commissioning.Capital & Technical Projects: Led Ammonia Receipt and Site-wide PM Optimization Project encompassing 3,800 PM identifiers and over components; coordinated system upgrades, design change implementation, and field execution to support operational objectives.Cross-Functional Integration: Unified Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Commissioning teams to resolve complex technical issues, de-conflict schedules, and maintain mission-critical readiness.Team Development & Mentorship: Fostered a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous learning; mentored engineers and technical staff to build high-performing teams capable of independent decision-making.Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Ensured alignment with DOE Orders, nuclear safety requirements, and operational standards while executing high-hazard startup and steady-state operations.

Education

• Bay City High School

  High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

  1992 — 1996

• Sonic Systems International

  Certificate, NDE Certifications

  2004 — 2004

• Brazosport Junior College

  Process Instrumentation Technology/ Operations Managment

  1997 — 1999

• Texas State Technical College

  Certificate, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering

  2002 — 2002

• University of Houston

  Electrical Engineering

  2002 — 2005

• IBEW/NJATC Houston

  Electrical Journeyman License, Electrical Apprenticeship

  1999 — 2001