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Hourly Shutdown Reactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Last Energy is seeking an experienced Reactor Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and ... Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance ...

Last Energy is seeking an experienced Reactor Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and ... Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance ...

Last Energy is seeking an experienced Reactor Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and ... Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Berwick, PA ยท On-site

$138K/yr

... startup, shutdown, power operation, load changes, fuel handling, emergency situations, and ... Earn and Maintain a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license for the Susquehanna Nuclear Generating ...

Reactor Operator

Pearland, TX ยท On-site

$30/hr

We are seeking a dedicated and safety-focused Reactor Operator to join our team at Third Coast ... Execute all tasks related to startup and shutdown of equipment in assigned areas of responsibility.

Senior Reactor Operator In Training

Berwick, PA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

... Senior Reactor Operator at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station located near Berwick ... startup, shutdown, power operation, load changes, fuel handling, emergency situations, and ...

Senior Reactor Operator In Training

Berwick, PA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

... Senior Reactor Operator at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station located near Berwick ... startup, shutdown, power operation, load changes, fuel handling, emergency situations, and ...

Senior Reactor Operator In Training

Berwick, PA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

... Senior Reactor Operator at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station located near Berwick ... startup, shutdown, power operation, load changes, fuel handling, emergency situations, and ...

Senior Reactor Operator In Training

Berwick, PA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

... Senior Reactor Operator at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station located near Berwick ... startup, shutdown, power operation, load changes, fuel handling, emergency situations, and ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Clinton, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Mahomet, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Atwood, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Cornell, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance: Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Elwood, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Pottstown, PA ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Verona, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance : Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Wedron, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. Relocation Assistance: Relocation ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

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Hourly Shutdown Reactor Operator information

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How much do hourly shutdown reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly shutdown reactor operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hourly Shutdown Reactor Operator vs Nuclear Power Plant Technician?

AspectHourly Shutdown Reactor OperatorNuclear Power Plant Technician
CertificationsReactor Operator License, NRC certificationsNuclear Plant Operator Certification, NRC certifications
Work EnvironmentControl room, plant shutdown areasControl room, maintenance areas, plant facilities
Job FocusManaging reactor shutdowns, safety procedures during outagesMaintaining and repairing plant systems, supporting operations

Hourly Shutdown Reactor Operators primarily focus on managing reactor shutdowns and safety during outages, requiring specific licensing. Nuclear Power Plant Technicians support plant operations through maintenance and repairs, often working alongside operators. While both roles require NRC certifications and work in similar environments, their core responsibilities differ, with shutdown operators concentrating on reactor control during outages and technicians on system maintenance.

How many hours do power plant operators work?

Hourly shutdown reactor operators typically work 40 hours per week, but they may be required to work overtime, night shifts, weekends, or holidays depending on the plant's schedule and operational needs. Shift work is common due to the 24/7 nature of power plant operations, and operators must be alert and prepared for emergency situations at any time.

How much do TVA reactor operators make?

TVA reactor operators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, certifications, and shift differentials. These roles require specialized training, licensing, and adherence to strict safety protocols in nuclear power plant environments.

How much do nuclear reactor operators make per hour?

Nuclear reactor operators typically earn between $30 and $60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They must undergo specialized training and obtain licenses to operate reactor systems safely in a highly regulated environment.

How hard is it to be a nuclear reactor operator?

Becoming a nuclear reactor operator requires extensive training, including a rigorous licensing process that involves written exams, practical tests, and on-the-job experience. The job demands high attention to detail, strong technical skills, and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies in a highly controlled environment. It typically involves working in shifts and adhering to strict safety protocols.
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Reactor Operator

Reactor Operator

Last Energy

Bryan, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Last Energy is seeking an experienced Reactor Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and safe operation of our PWR-5 test reactor. This is a ground-floor opportunity to help establish the operational foundation for a fleet of reactors that will be deployed globally at scale. You will work hands-on with a multidisciplinary team of nuclear engineers, I&C specialists, and plant staff to execute reactor operations safely, reliably, and in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
  • Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance with approved procedures and technical specifications
  • Execute fueling operations, including fuel handling, loading, core management activities, and associated radiological controls
  • Perform and document routine surveillances, plant walkdowns, and equipment checks to ensure systems remain within operational limits
  • Respond to abnormal and emergency plant conditions; execute abnormal operating procedures (AOPs) and emergency operating procedures (EOPs) as required
  • Support the development, review, and validation of plant operating procedures, especially as the PWR-5 design matures toward commercial deployment
  • Maintain rigorous configuration control and documentation standards consistent with nuclear quality assurance requirements
  • Participate in training, simulator exercises, and qualification programs; support the training of junior operators as applicable
  • Interface with regulatory authorities and support inspections, audits, and licensing activities as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • 2+ years of hands-on reactor operations experience, with demonstrated proficiency in licensed or certified operator duties
  • Experience with pressurized water reactor (PWR) or pool-type reactor operations; BWR experience will also be considered
  • Direct experience supporting fueling operations, including fuel handling and associated radiological and criticality safety controls
  • Strong working knowledge of reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and plant systems as applied to day-to-day operations
  • Familiarity with nuclear QA programs, technical specifications, and the regulatory framework governing nuclear plant operations (NRC or equivalent)
  • NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent certification (e.g., DOE-facility certification, international equivalent) is preferred
  • Experience with small modular reactors (SMRs), research reactors, or naval reactors is preferred
  • Familiarity with startup and commissioning activities for new reactor facilities is preferred
  • Experience supporting regulatory inspections or participating in licensing submittals is preferred
  • Ability to work effectively in a lean, fast-paced startup environment with a "builder" mindset
  • Proven ability to execute procedures with a rigorous, questioning attitude and high attention to detail