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Nuclear Operations Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... Mechanical Engineering * Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week ... Interest in power plant/mechanical operations. As a leading combination electricity and natural gas ...

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Field Service Engineer

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Recommend and implement plant‑floor digital transformation technologies, including Operational ... Must be willing to work at customer sites including oil & gas, refineries, nuclear and chemical ...

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Nuclear Operations Engineer information

What is a nuclear operations engineer?

Nuclear Operations Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants and related facilities. They monitor reactor systems, oversee plant operations, and implement safety protocols to prevent accidents or hazardous incidents. Their duties often include troubleshooting equipment, performing system tests, and coordinating maintenance. These engineers play a crucial role in regulatory compliance and emergency response planning to protect both workers and the public. Strong technical knowledge and attention to detail are essential for this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear operations engineer?

To thrive as a Nuclear Operations Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering or a related field, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in power plant operations. Familiarity with reactor control systems, radiation monitoring equipment, and regulatory compliance procedures is essential, and certifications such as a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license are often required. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this position. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear facilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by nuclear operations engineers in their daily work?

Nuclear Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring stringent compliance with safety regulations and rapidly responding to unexpected system anomalies. They must balance routine monitoring and maintenance tasks with the need to troubleshoot complex technical issues under time-sensitive conditions. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams—including operators, maintenance staff, and regulatory personnel—is crucial for smooth plant operations. Adaptability and continuous learning are also important, as the role frequently involves integrating new technologies and evolving safety protocols.

What is the difference between Nuclear Operations Engineer vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNuclear Operations EngineerNuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in nuclear safetyReactor operator license, training certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and optimize nuclear systemsOperate and monitor nuclear reactors
Industry UsagePower plants, defense, research facilitiesPrimarily power plants

While both roles work within the nuclear industry, Nuclear Operations Engineers focus on system design and safety protocols, whereas Nuclear Reactor Operators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of reactors. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in nuclear facilities.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Nuclear Operations Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Nuclear Operations Engineer job openings:

Lead Project Manager 2 - Nuclear

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Sargent & Lundy
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$134K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead medium to large, multi-discipline nuclear projects from early planning and design through implementation, commissioning, turnover, and closeout.

  • Coordinate with project teams and manage client relationships, expectations, and project performance metrics.

  • Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, change management, risk assessments, and project documentation to ensure successful project delivery.


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Significant growth in Sargent & Lundy's (S&L) business over the past few years has driven the need to increase focus and investment in S&L's Project Management team. This team works closely with our external clients to handle every detail of their needs, as well as with our internal teams to make the projects run as seamlessly as possible.
The Project Manager will work as a design / construction subject matter expert, responsible for directing team activities and participating in critical evaluations to support new and facility upgrade designs. The PM will serve as the primary liaison between clients, subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams to ensure alignment on project objectives and requirements. The PM focuses on managing and guiding the team to safely complete the scope of work on schedule and within budget for our clients. We are seeking a proven leader with medium to large scale nuclear power plant experience, who can not only ensure the delivery of essential core services through a design / construction lens but do so with the highest level of alignment with our core values.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead medium to large, multi-discipline nuclear projects from early planning and design through implementation, commissioning, turnover, and closeout.
  • Coordinate with lead managers, discipline leads, and project teams across business units to ensure alignment on technical scope, priorities, and deliverables.
  • Manage client relationships and expectations; provide timely progress, risk, and cost updates; lead regular performance and status review meetings.
  • Own project scope, schedule (integrated master schedule with phasing and lookaheads), budget/forecasts, and key performance metrics; maintain project baselines and critical path.
  • Manage client expectations and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and timely updates.
  • Provide oversight to the project's overall cost and schedule.
  • Oversee and manage change orders, ensuring scope changes are documented, approved, and incorporated into project plans.
  • Assess and mitigate the impact of scope changes on cost and schedule.
  • Develop project-specific Design, Project Management and/or commissioning management work plans.
  • Perform Home office or remote design, construction planning work before field mobilization.
  • Lead and manage the design staff.
  • Monitor overall design, construction and commissioning progress, cost, quality, scope, and safety.
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments at all stages of the project and develop contingency plans to mitigate construction and commissioning risks.
  • Report task progress and cost to the Project Manager, Project Director and/or Client.
  • Lead and attend design project performance review meetings.
  • Plan Project process by developing schedules, phasing, and lookaheads.
  • Keep track of project progress and maintain schedules.
  • Keep all documentation up to date for internal and external project members.
  • Collaborate with the internal design, construction team, engineers, subcontractors, etc. to determine project needs.
  • Review and oversee contractual agreements with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure terms and deliverables are met.
  • Handle disputes or claims arising from contract performance.
  • Adhere to estimated costs and ensure the project is on budget (and is profitable).
  • Supervise field staff and provide constructive feedback.
  • Resolve on-site issues and emergencies.
  • Oversee project close-out activities, including final inspections, punch list resolution, and documentation handover.
  • Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future project execution.
  • Ensure the job site remains safe, clean, and orderly through compliance S&L standards.

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university, or other relevant field / Operations Experience, Operations Certification and industry experience.
  • 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in the nuclear industry with at least 5 years managing multiple projects or leading a team. Focus will be on full design and/or construction experience.
  • Must have experience with nuclear projects.
  • Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) is a plus.
  • Experience with EPC and GC contract models.
  • 8 to 10+ years in progressive leadership roles, supervising design, Operations and/or construction teams, managing clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate intentionally and clearly across multiple stakeholders, vendors, teammates, and business partners.
  • Determination of staff positions and size; interviewing and selection of personnel experience.
  • Experience in establishing and effectively using project controls tools to manage a large construction project.
  • Understanding of a process approach to accomplishing Project Management and start-up testing work.
  • Proficient in developing / reviewing Facility Upgrades (e.g., Major and Minor Modifications) to Nuclear Power Plants.
  • Understand, experienced and familiar with Nuclear Plant Operations (preferably AP1000 Plant Operations)
  • Understand, experienced and familiar with Nuclear industry Standard Design Process (SDP)
  • Demonstrated client relationship-building experience.
  • Knowledge of quality, safety, and health guidelines for sizeable industrial construction job sites.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Organizational and time-management skills.
  • Must be able to travel.
  • Key skills will be Project governance, scheduling, cost management, risk/issue tracking, vendor management, process improvement, team leadership, stakeholder communication, Project Management and organizational alignment.

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
$134,546 - $205,557
Transparency Statement
Sargent & 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.

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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

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