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Nuclear Plant Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to ... The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and safe operation of ...

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to ... The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and safe operation of ...

Nuclear Power Generating * Pulp and Paper Industry * Refuse * Steel Mills * Transit Railroads ... Plant Manager ID: 71420311 Department: Operations Location: Crete, IL Description Performs ...

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Plant Manager

Solon, OH · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Plant Manager - Precision CNC Manufacturing Location: Solon, OH. Job Type: Full-Time We are seeking ... Navy Nuclear program with parts featured on the Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered ...

Nuclear Engineer V, Mechanical

Perry, OH · Remote

$115 - $178/hr

Ability to manage multiple technical assignments in a fast-paced environment * Must be able to pass: * Security screening * Drug screening * Nuclear plant unescorted access requirements Additional ...

Nuclear Engineer V, Mechanical

Perry, OH · Remote

$115 - $178/hr

Ability to manage multiple technical assignments in a fast-paced environment * Must be able to pass: * Security screening * Drug screening * Nuclear plant unescorted access requirements Additional ...

Nuclear Engineer V, Mechanical

Perry, OH · Remote

$115 - $178/hr

Ability to manage multiple technical assignments in a fast-paced environment * Must be able to pass: * Security screening * Drug screening * Nuclear plant unescorted access requirements Additional ...

Nuclear Engineer V - Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Job Type: Contract Pay Rate: Up to $115/hour ... management, and quality objectives. * Conduct plant walkdowns, equipment assessments, site ...

Nuclear Engineer V - Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Job Type: Contract Pay Rate: Up to $115/hour ... management, and quality objectives. * Conduct plant walkdowns, equipment assessments, site ...

Nuclear Engineer V - Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Job Type: Contract Pay Rate: Up to $115/hour ... management, and quality objectives. * Conduct plant walkdowns, equipment assessments, site ...

Nuclear Engineer V - Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Job Type: Contract Pay Rate: Up to $115/hour ... management, and quality objectives. * Conduct plant walkdowns, equipment assessments, site ...

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Nuclear Plant Manager information

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$39K

$115.1K

$154.5K

How much do nuclear plant manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear plant manager in the United States is $115,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $131,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do nuclear plant managers make?

Nuclear plant managers typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and plant size. They often hold certifications such as the Senior Reactor Operator license and have extensive technical and leadership skills. Compensation may also include benefits like bonuses and retirement plans.

How much do nuclear project managers make in the US?

Nuclear project managers in the US typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced professionals and those working on large projects earning higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, and requires strong project management skills and relevant certifications like PMP or nuclear-specific credentials.

What are some of the main challenges faced by Nuclear Plant Managers in maintaining operational safety and regulatory compliance?

Nuclear Plant Managers often face the challenge of balancing day-to-day operational efficiency with strict safety protocols and evolving regulatory requirements. They must ensure continuous training for staff, coordinate rigorous inspections, and quickly address any technical or procedural issues. Additionally, managers are responsible for fostering a culture of safety, effective communication across multidisciplinary teams, and responding to external audits, all while meeting production targets. These demands require strong leadership, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of both technical and regulatory landscapes.

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

Nuclear plant managers and senior nuclear engineers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-cost regions. However, typical salaries for nuclear engineers are generally lower, often ranging from $80,000 to $150,000, with top executives and highly specialized roles earning more. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires leadership positions, specialized skills, and additional compensation such as bonuses or profit sharing.

What is the difference between Nuclear Plant Manager vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNuclear Plant ManagerNuclear Reactor Operator
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, management certifications, nuclear safety trainingHigh school diploma, NRC license, specialized reactor operation training
Work EnvironmentPlant management offices, oversight of plant operationsControl room, operating nuclear reactors directly
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, energy companies, nuclear facilitiesNuclear power plants, research reactors
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, management, plant oversightReactor operation, technical skills, safety procedures

The main difference is that a Nuclear Plant Manager oversees overall plant operations, safety, and staff management, requiring management experience and certifications. In contrast, a Nuclear Reactor Operator focuses on operating and controlling nuclear reactors directly, requiring specialized technical training and licensing. Both roles are essential in nuclear power plants but differ significantly in responsibilities and daily tasks.

What is the highest paying job at a nuclear power plant?

The highest paying job at a nuclear power plant is typically the Plant Director or Plant Manager, who oversees all plant operations and safety protocols. Senior roles such as Nuclear Engineering Managers or Chief Nuclear Officers also command high salaries, often supplemented by extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What does a Nuclear Plant Manager do?

A Nuclear Plant Manager oversees the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of a nuclear power plant. They are responsible for managing plant staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and responding to emergencies. Their role also includes coordinating with regulatory authorities, budgeting, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimize plant performance and safety. The manager's leadership is critical to maintaining public trust and the reliable generation of nuclear energy.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Plant Manager, you need deep expertise in nuclear engineering or a related field, extensive experience in plant operations, and regulatory knowledge, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and licensure. Familiarity with nuclear plant control systems, safety protocols, and certifications such as a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license are typically required. Outstanding leadership, crisis management, and communication skills set exceptional managers apart, enabling them to lead teams and coordinate with regulatory agencies effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring plant safety, regulatory compliance, and the smooth, efficient operation of complex nuclear facilities.
More about Nuclear Plant Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Plant Manager jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Plant Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Plant jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Plant Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Plant Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Plant Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,106 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world. 

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and safe operation of Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge nuclear fuel fabrication facility. This role provides strategic and day-to-day leadership across plant operations, ensuring the facility achieves its production, safety, quality, regulatory, financial, and operational objectives while fostering a strong nuclear safety culture. 

As the senior operations leader for the facility, the Plant Manager is accountable for manufacturing execution, workforce performance, operational discipline, equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional coordination. This role oversees production operations while partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, Nuclear Safety, Criticality Safety, Radiological Controls, EH&S, Maintenance, Facilities, Supply Chain, Planning, Security, and other support organizations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. 

The Plant Manager is responsible for building and developing a high-performing operations organization as the facility accelerates manufacturing. This includes establishing operational excellence, driving continuous improvement, developing frontline leaders, and ensuring all work is performed safely, consistently, and in full compliance with applicable quality, radiological, regulatory, and nuclear safety requirements. 

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and the ability to balance operational execution with long-term organizational growth. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Plant Leadership & Operations 

  • Lead the safe, secure, and efficient operation of Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge nuclear fuel fabrication facility 
  • Own plant performance across production, safety, quality, regulatory compliance, schedule, and cost 
  • Foster a strong nuclear safety culture focused on compliance, accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement 
  • Establish clear performance expectations and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with company policies, approved procedures, and regulatory requirements 
  • Provide visible leadership on the manufacturing floor and reinforce expectations for safe, disciplined, and reliable operations 

Manufacturing & Production Performance 

  • Execute the facility production plan, ensuring manufacturing commitments are achieved safely, on schedule, and within quality standards 
  • Monitor and improve key operational metrics, including throughput, yield, labor productivity, equipment availability, schedule adherence, downtime, and manufacturing cost 
  • Work with Engineering to identify production constraints and support corrective actions to improve reliability, efficiency, and production capacity 
  • Optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, and facility resources while supporting the introduction of new manufacturing capabilities and processes 
  • Drive production performance as the facility accelerates manufacturing and scales operations 

Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance 

  • Ensure compliance with applicable DOE, NRC, NQA-1, environmental, radiological, criticality safety, security, and company requirements 
  • Promote safe work practices, contamination control, material accountability, and disciplined operational execution 
  • Partner with Quality, Nuclear Safety, Radiological Controls, Criticality Safety, EH&S, and Security to support audits, inspections, readiness reviews, and regulatory assessments 
  • Ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective actions and maintain operational readiness 
  • Reinforce a culture where safety, quality, compliance, and production performance are integrated into daily operations 

Leadership & Workforce Development 

  • Lead and mentor production supervisors, technicians, operators, and other plant personnel while promoting accountability and professional development 
  • Ensure personnel are properly trained, qualified, and prepared to support current and future operational needs 
  • Develop frontline leaders who can execute production plans, reinforce standards, and support a disciplined manufacturing environment 
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, ownership, continuous learning, and operational excellence 
  • Build the organizational capability required to support long-term production growth 

Continuous Improvement & Operational Discipline 

  • Establish effective daily management systems, production reviews, shift handoffs, and performance metrics 
  • Lead root cause investigations and implementation of sustainable corrective actions for operational, safety, quality, and equipment issues 
  • Develop scalable manufacturing systems and processes to support long-term production growth 
  • Drive improvements in throughput, yield, equipment reliability, labor productivity, and cost performance 
  • Ensure lessons learned from production, maintenance, quality, and safety events are translated into durable operational improvements 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Supply Chain, Planning, Quality, Finance, EH&S, Nuclear Safety, Security, Licensing, and executive leadership to optimize plant performance 
  • Balance production priorities with maintenance, capital projects, staffing, and long-term operational objectives 
  • Communicate plant performance, operational risks, resource needs, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership 
  • Support facility expansions, commissioning activities, operational readiness reviews, customer engagements, and regulatory interactions 
  • Ensure cross-functional teams are aligned around plant priorities, constraints, and execution needs 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered 
  • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, plant operations, industrial operations, or production leadership 
  • Experience leading supervisors, technicians, operators, and cross-functional plant teams in a manufacturing or industrial environment 
  • Demonstrated experience owning plant or site-level performance across safety, quality, production, cost, staffing, and operational execution 
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production metrics, operational discipline, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement 
  • Experience operating in regulated, safety-critical, high-reliability, or quality-controlled manufacturing environments 
  • Proven ability to build teams, develop frontline leaders, establish accountability, and lead through growth or operational change 
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and cross-functional leadership skills 
  • Experience with DOE, NRC, NQA-1, nuclear, radiological, criticality safety, or other highly regulated environments strongly preferred 
  • Experience in nuclear fuel fabrication, nuclear operations, chemical processing, aerospace, defense, energy, or advanced manufacturing is a plus 

BENEFITS 

  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 
  • Health Savings Account 
  • Disability and Life Insurance 
  • 401(k) Plan 
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This role is based on-site at Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge, TN nuclear fuel fabrication facility and requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor. 

The position involves frequent interaction with production teams, technical staff, plant support functions, industrial equipment, controlled areas, and regulated work environments. Work may involve use of PPE, participation in work planning, and adherence to site safety, quality, radiological, contamination control, criticality safety, security, and operational procedures. Occasional travel may be required to support company operations, vendors, customers, or regulatory activities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Standard Nuclear embraces equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.  

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Â