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Nuclear Equipment Operator information

See Delaware salary details

$917

$1.8K

$1.9K

How much do nuclear equipment operator jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average monthly pay for nuclear equipment operator in Delaware is $1,775.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,750.00 and $1,791.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear equipment operator?

Nuclear Equipment Operators, also known as nuclear reactor operators or control room operators, are responsible for operating and monitoring the systems that control nuclear reactors and other related equipment at nuclear power plants. Their duties include starting and shutting down reactors, adjusting control rods, monitoring instruments, and responding to abnormal conditions to ensure safe and efficient plant operation. They must adhere to strict safety protocols, follow regulatory guidelines, and undergo rigorous training and licensing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear equipment operator?

To thrive as a Nuclear Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, strong analytical skills, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a technical field. Familiarity with control room instrumentation, plant operating procedures, and certifications such as NRC Reactor Operator License are important. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient plant operations and to prevent potentially hazardous incidents.

What are some of the common challenges faced by nuclear equipment operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Nuclear Equipment Operators often face challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols, responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions, and staying vigilant during long shifts. Operators must be detail-oriented and able to follow procedures precisely, as even minor errors can have significant consequences. To prepare, candidates should focus on developing strong technical knowledge, stress management skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team, since collaboration with engineers and supervisors is a key aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Nuclear Equipment Operator vs Nuclear Power Plant Technician?

AspectNuclear Equipment OperatorNuclear Power Plant Technician
CertificationsTypically requires NRC licenses and plant-specific trainingRequires NRC licenses, technical certifications, and specialized training
Work EnvironmentOperate and monitor nuclear equipment in power plantsMaintain, troubleshoot, and repair nuclear systems in power plants
Job FocusOperating reactors and safety systemsMaintaining and repairing plant equipment

Both roles are vital in nuclear power plants, requiring NRC licenses and safety training. While Nuclear Equipment Operators focus on operating reactors and safety systems, Nuclear Power Plant Technicians handle maintenance and repairs. Both positions work in similar environments and are essential for plant safety and efficiency.

How hard is it to become a nuclear equipment operator?

Becoming a nuclear equipment operator requires completing specialized training, often including a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by extensive on-the-job training and certification. Operators must pass written and practical exams, demonstrate technical skills, and typically work in a highly regulated environment with strict safety protocols, making the process challenging and demanding a strong understanding of complex systems.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware?

For Nuclear Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Equipment Operator jobs in Delaware are:

Nuclear Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Equipment Operator job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,302 per year, or $10.2 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Wilmington, DE

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Description

This is a senior level mechanical engineering position that will provide you with a variety of interesting and challenging responsibilities.

We are looking for candidates with experience in the analysis, design, and licensing requirements of mechanical and nuclear systems and components for nuclear power plants.

You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:

  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • System and Component Performance specifications
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience: 

  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the power industry.
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$84,762 - $129,498Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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