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Nuclear Operator Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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Nuclear Operator information

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$889

$1.7K

$1.8K

How much do nuclear operator jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average monthly pay for nuclear operator in Maryland is $1,721.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,700.00 and $1,741.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear operator?

Nuclear Operators, also known as reactor operators, are professionals responsible for operating and monitoring the systems that control nuclear reactors at power plants. They ensure the reactor runs safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines by adjusting controls, monitoring instruments, and responding to abnormalities. Their duties also include starting up or shutting down the reactor, conducting routine inspections, and following strict safety procedures to prevent accidents. Nuclear Operators must undergo extensive training and often require licensing to operate. This role is critical in maintaining the safe production of nuclear energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Operator, you need a solid background in physics, mechanical systems, and safety procedures, often supported by an associate degree and completion of a rigorous training program or NRC license. Familiarity with control room instrumentation, reactor monitoring systems, and specialized simulation tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, stress management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient plant operations and adhering to strict regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear operators during a typical shift?

Nuclear Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring complex instrumentation, responding quickly to alarms, and troubleshooting equipment anomalies while maintaining strict safety protocols. They must remain vigilant and focused throughout long shifts, especially during routine maintenance or unexpected incidents. Effective communication with team members and other departments is essential to ensure coordinated, safe plant operations.

What is the difference between Nuclear Operator vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectNuclear OperatorNuclear Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, nuclear training, and certificationRequires an associate's or bachelor's degree in nuclear technology or related field, plus certification
Work EnvironmentOperates and monitors nuclear reactors in power plantsPerforms maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting on nuclear equipment
Employer & IndustryPower generation companies, nuclear plantsNuclear facilities, research labs, power plants

Both Nuclear Operators and Nuclear Technicians work in nuclear power plants and require specialized training. While Nuclear Operators focus on operating reactors and ensuring safety during shifts, Nuclear Technicians handle maintenance, testing, and technical support. Their roles are complementary, with overlapping credentials and work environments, but distinct responsibilities within the nuclear industry.

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Nuclear Operator jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Nuclear Operator job openings:

Nuclear Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Operator job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $20,657 per year, or $9.9 per hour.

Nuclear Fuels Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
Owns the fuel design and analyzes fuel and control pellet performance under normal and transient conditions, ensuring the fuel meets thermal, mechanical, and safety requirements throughout its service life, and works with procurement and vendors to source it.
What You'll Do
  • Own the fuel and control element design, defining requirements and specifications across normal, transient, and accident conditions.
  • Analyze fuel and control pellet performance-thermal behavior, gas production and release, swelling, cladding interaction, and burnup effects-to verify design limits are met.
  • Establish fuel-related operating margins and safety criteria and feed results into core design and safety analyses.
  • Work with the procurement team and fuel vendors to specify, qualify, and obtain fuel, supporting technical evaluations and supplier oversight.
  • Document fuel designs, analyses, and performance basis, and support design reviews, qualification, and licensing deliverables.
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Experience in nuclear fuel design, performance analysis, or fuel qualification.
  • Proficiency with fuel performance codes (e.g., FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN, BISON, or equivalent).
  • Working knowledge of fuel materials behavior, neutronics interfaces, and thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions.
  • Experience interfacing with vendors or procurement on technical specifications and qualification.

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.

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