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Nuclear Operator Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

* Associates degree in science/engineering * 4 years of commercial nuclear power plant operator training experience * 2 years of experience as a simulator instructor * Previous SRO/RO license holder or ...

Senior Reactor Operator In Training

Berwick, PA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

The Shift Managers and Unit Supervisors participate in operator training, retraining and ... As assigned by the Manager Nuclear Operations, the Shift Managers and Unit Supervisors review ...

UF6 Operator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Experience developing CONOPS or operating philosophy for new nuclear facilities. * Experience developing operator training and qualification programs. * Familiarity with DOE or NRC regulated ...

UF6 Operator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Experience developing CONOPS or operating philosophy for new nuclear facilities. * Experience developing operator training and qualification programs. * Familiarity with DOE or NRC regulated ...

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Nuclear Operator Training information

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$916

$1.8K

$1.9K

How much do nuclear operator training jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average monthly pay for nuclear operator training in the United States is $1,773.67, 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 are some common challenges faced during the Nuclear Operator training process and how can candidates overcome them?

Nuclear Operator training is rigorous and can be challenging due to its emphasis on technical knowledge, strict regulatory standards, and high-stakes simulations. Trainees often find the volume of material and the need to master complex systems overwhelming at first. To succeed, candidates should develop strong study habits, actively participate in hands-on training, and seek mentorship from experienced operators. Regular review sessions and collaboration with peers can also help reinforce understanding and build confidence throughout the program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Operator Trainee, you need strong math and science skills, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a technical field. Familiarity with control room simulators, plant operating procedures, and pursuing NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) licensing are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure safe and efficient plant operations, compliance with strict regulations, and effective teamwork in a high-stakes environment.

What is the difference between Nuclear Operator Training vs Nuclear Reactor Technician?

AspectNuclear Operator TrainingNuclear Reactor Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by employerRequires an associate's or bachelor's degree in nuclear technology or related field; certifications often include NRC licenses
Work EnvironmentPower plants, nuclear facilities, training centersNuclear power plants, maintenance facilities
Job FocusTraining individuals to operate nuclear reactors safelyMonitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting reactor systems

While both roles are integral to nuclear plant operations, Nuclear Operator Training prepares individuals to become licensed nuclear operators, focusing on safety protocols and operational procedures. Nuclear Reactor Technicians, on the other hand, are responsible for hands-on maintenance and system monitoring. The training provides foundational knowledge for future reactor technicians or operators, but the technician role involves more direct system management.

How long does it take to become a nuclear operator?

Becoming a nuclear operator typically requires completing a nuclear power plant training program, which lasts about 6 to 12 months, followed by on-the-job training and passing licensing exams. Overall, it can take approximately 1 to 2 years to become fully qualified to operate a nuclear reactor.

What is nuclear operator training?

Nuclear operator training is a specialized program designed to prepare individuals to operate and monitor nuclear power plant systems safely and efficiently. The training covers theoretical knowledge, such as nuclear physics and reactor principles, as well as hands-on experience with plant equipment and simulator exercises. Trainees learn to respond to routine operations and emergency situations, ensuring the safe production of nuclear energy. Successful completion of this training is typically required before taking licensing exams to become a licensed reactor operator or senior reactor operator.

How hard is it to be a nuclear reactor operator?

Becoming a nuclear reactor operator requires completing extensive training, including classroom instruction, simulator practice, and on-the-job experience, often totaling several years. Operators must pass rigorous licensing exams and demonstrate a strong understanding of nuclear physics, safety protocols, and operational procedures, making it a challenging and highly regulated profession.

How much money do nuclear operators make?

Nuclear operators typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in highly regulated environments and require specialized training and licensing to operate nuclear reactors safely.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $100,000 and $130,000, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching around $150,000. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and would generally require advanced positions, management roles, or significant overtime in the nuclear industry.
More about Nuclear Operator Training jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Operator Training jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Operator Training job openings:
What states have the most Nuclear Operator Training jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Operator Training jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Operator Training job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,284 per year, or $10.2 per hour.
Operations Training Instructor

Operations Training Instructor

TerraPower LLC.

Kemmerer, WY โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now


Job description

TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower's mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company's activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications - all for significant human health benefits."

TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.ย 

Operations Training Instructor

The Operations Training Instructor reports directly to the Operations Training Manager and is focused on the development of the operations training programs and training materials for the Natrium Demonstration Project (NDP). In this role, you will develop the programs, processes, and procedures necessary for establishing and running licensed operator and non-licensed operator training. The successful candidate will integrate and coordinate with other departments, project partners, regulators, and outside organizations working on operator training.

Responsibilities

  • Develops operator training processes, programs, and procedures for a newly developed training department, ensuring compliance with company standards, NRC regulations, INPO accreditation criteria, and other codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Develops and executes a strategy for training program initial accreditation.
  • Uses the Systematic-Approach-to-Training to develop new high-quality training curriculum for licensed and non-licensed operators.
  • Revises training programs to maintain instructional and technical accuracy based on plant design changes, modifications to plant procedures, and changes in plant processes.
  • Participates actively in the Training Curriculum Review Committee.
  • Coordinates with operations management, the emergency response organization, and other organizations in the develop and improvement of training programs.
  • Prepares trainee examination material and trainee evaluations for classroom, laboratory, OJT, and simulator environments, as appropriate.
  • Prepares processes for training performance evaluations, trainee counseling sessions, and individualized training programs.
  • Incorporates information gained from INPO Significant Operating Experience Reports, NRC Circulars, Bulletins, and Information Notices, plant design changes, plant procedure changes and revisions, new regulations, and training effectiveness reports into the training program and various training material.
  • Participates in NRC, INPO and management audits, and prepares responses to audit findings.
  • Develops and maintains knowledge of plant design, plant operations, disciplinary skills and techniques, commensurate with the responsibility to develop effective, high quality training.
  • Supervises the collection and maintenance of auditable training records and reports required to document training program activities.
  • Assists the Operations Training Manager in establishing department goals, and cost estimates that result in budgeted activities for the assigned area including specific project or subject matter areas as assigned.

Key Qualifications and Skills

  • Associates degree in science/engineering
  • 4 years of commercial nuclear power plant operator training experience
  • 2 years of experience as a simulator instructor
  • Previous SRO/RO license holder or 4+ Years of experience with an SRO-certification
  • Mastery of skills and extensive subject matter knowledge in carrying out assignments associated with the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and proposed modification of licensed operator training programs
  • Working knowledge of plant simulation software
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skillsย 
  • Attention to detail and aspiration for training excellence
  • The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, able to communicate openly, and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork
  • Understands how individual actions and decisions can positively and negatively affect the ability of the total organization to meet its requirements to regulatory agencies and to the public
  • Adapts well to emergent changes due to changes in plant design, plant procedures, schedule changes, or other challenges associated with the design, construction, and commissioning of a new nuclear power plant

This position is subject to qualification requirements in accordance with ANSI/ANS 3.1. Candidates must meet the minimum education and experience criteria applicable to the role, including relevant nuclear industry experience where required. Verification of data will be part of the hiring process.

Job Functions:

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.ย  Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.ย  An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

  • Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
  • Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Repetitive work: Prolonged
  • Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
  • Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
  • Travel required 0-10%

TerraPower's technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.ย  TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements.ย  To facilitate TerraPower's export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.ย  Government export authorization approval times vary.ย  Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.

Job details

Salary Range : $116,495 - $174,743
Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. This range is specific to the state of Wyoming.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
  • Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
    • Medical
    • Vision
    • Dental
    • Life and Disability
    • Gender Affirmation Benefits
  • Parental Leave
  • 401k Plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • 21 days of annually accrued PTO
  • Generous Holiday Schedule
    • 10 paid holidays
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

TerraPower Career and Benefits information:ย  https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/