Benjamin Rivera - Chief Operations Officer

Benjamin Rivera is a high-stakes security leader with over 24 years of experience in Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) protective force operations. Having spent the bulk of his career at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Benjamin specializes in the protection of Special Nuclear Material (SNM) and the complex regulatory frameworks required to maintain nuclear licensure. 

Prior to joining Praxnor Group, Benjamin served as the Manager of Protective Force Operations for Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he was responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of security for one of the world's most sensitive nuclear environments. His expertise spans the full spectrum of nuclear security, including Integrated Safeguards and Security Management (ISSM), UAS/Counter-UAS programs, and the implementation of DOE Order 473.2a. 

A veteran of the Special Response Team (SRT) with 19 years as an SRT Captain, Benjamin brings a rare "ground-up" perspective to security-by-design. He has a proven track record of achieving satisfactory effectiveness ratings from the DOE’s Office of Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) and has maintained a career defined by zero safety or security incidents regarding the protection of SNM. 

Benjamin’s unique value to the mini-reactor sector lies in his ability to bridge the gap between rigorous federal security requirements and the operational needs of private developers. He is a specialist in Collective Bargaining negotiations and Derivative Classification, ensuring that new energy projects are not only secure but also administratively and legally resilient