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Nuclear Plant Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Nuclear Electrical Design Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Our mission Scale nuclear energy. Power generations. Our vision A maritime commons thriving with ... plant loads including control rod drive mechanisms, coolant pumps, motor-operated valves, heat ...

Ocean Atomics

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

... plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants ... We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive ...

Ocean Atomics LLC

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

... plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants ... We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Annandale, VA · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Deale, MD · On-site

$96K - $115K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Edmonston, MD · On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Crownsville, MD · On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$97K - $116K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Newington, VA · On-site

$109K - $131K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Accokeek, MD · On-site

$96K - $115K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Dunkirk, MD · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cheverly, MD · On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Adamstown, MD · On-site

$91K - $109K/yr

... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

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All JobsNuclear Plant Operator JobsNuclear Plant Operator Jobs in Washington

Nuclear Plant Operator information

See Washington salary details

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$37

$69

How much do nuclear plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear plant operator in Washington is $37.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $68.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear plant operator?

A Nuclear Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring nuclear reactors, turbines, and other equipment to ensure the safe and efficient production of electricity. They follow strict protocols, adjust controls, and respond to abnormalities to maintain plant safety. Operators also conduct routine inspections, log data, and collaborate with engineers and technicians. Extensive training, including licensure from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), is typically required. The role demands strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and adherence to safety procedures.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a nuclear plant operator?

A Nuclear Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling nuclear reactors, turbines, and auxiliary equipment to ensure safe and efficient power generation. Daily tasks include interpreting control room data, responding to system alarms, performing routine inspections, and coordinating with maintenance and engineering teams. Operators must also adhere to strict safety protocols, conduct regular equipment tests, and document all operational activities. The role often involves working in shifts to support 24/7 plant operations, requiring effective communication and collaboration with other operators and support staff.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Plant Operator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of physics and engineering principles, typically supported by specialized training or an associate degree in a technical field. Competency with control systems, instrumentation panels, and regulatory requirements such as NRC licensing is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in a high-stakes environment.

How do I become a nuclear plant operator?

To become a nuclear plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training and certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Most operators gain experience through working in related roles such as reactor or plant technicians and must pass written and practical exams to obtain licensing. Strong technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment are essential.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job as a nuclear plant operator can be competitive and requires specialized training, including a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a nuclear licensing exam. Candidates typically need relevant experience, technical skills, and certifications such as NRC licenses, making the hiring process rigorous but attainable with proper preparation.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Plant Operator jobs in Washington?

For Nuclear Plant Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Plant Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Plant Operator jobs in Washington are:

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Nuclear Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Plant Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,695 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$95K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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
We are seeking a Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer to perform mechanical design and management of systems that span the nuclear power plant, ship, and shipyard interfaces of civil nuclear-powered maritime applications. This role ensures that integrated systems are performant, economical, safe, manufacturable, maintainable, and compliant with maritime and nuclear regulatory frameworks.
What You'll Do
  • Perform mechanical design and integration of cross-boundary systems including reactor/fuel handling equipment, plant-to-hull structural interfaces, shielding integration, and supporting auxiliary systems.
  • Define and manage interface requirements between the reactor, ship systems (structure, propulsion, HVAC, electrical, fluid systems), and shipyard construction/maintenance processes.
  • Assess and design for ship-specific hazards affecting the nuclear plant, including collision, grounding, flooding, fire, motion/sea-state loads, and shock/vibration.
  • Develop and maintain interface control documents, system specifications, and integration plans.
  • Coordinate across naval architecture, reactor engineering, safety/licensing, and shipyard production teams to resolve cross-discipline conflicts.
  • Support safety case development and hazard analyses for integrated systems.
  • Review designs for constructability, installation sequencing, and in-service maintenance and refueling access.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable classification society rules, IMO/maritime regulations, and nuclear regulatory requirements.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop teams of engineers responsible for mechanical, structural, civil, and nuclear system design and operation.
  • Establish and maintain a high-performance culture centered on nuclear safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Recruit, onboard, and develop engineering talent to support organizational growth and long-term engineering expertise.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and technical mentoring for engineering staff.
  • Support the expansion of Ocean Atomics through effective knowledge transfer, agile prioritization of critical business needs, and collaboration across functional company areas to build a scalable organization.
  • Ensure engineering products meet rigorous nuclear industry standards and quality requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership during emergent operational events and high-consequence engineering challenges.

What You Bring
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Marine, Naval, Nuclear, or related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and systems integration for complex engineered systems.
  • Demonstrated experience managing technical interfaces across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Working knowledge of structural and mechanical design principles, including dynamic and accident loading.
  • Familiarity with safety analysis methods and regulated-industry design controls.
  • Strong written technical documentation skills (specifications, interface control documents).
  • A hustle mindset: bias toward action, comfort with ambiguity, and relentless follow-through.

Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or chartered engineer status.
  • Experience in nuclear plant systems, marine propulsion, and/or shipbuilding.
  • Knowledge of classification society rules (e.g., ABS, Lloyd's Register) and IMO requirements relevant to nuclear-powered ships.
  • Familiarity with fuel handling systems, shielding design, or reactor auxiliary systems.
  • Experience with collision/grounding analysis or ship survivability engineering.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD and structural/thermal analysis tools.

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.

Apply