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Nuclear Power Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Narrows, VA

$96K - $115K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lawrenceville, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lexington, VA

$86K - $104K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Bedford, VA

$82K - $99K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lebanon, VA

$81K - $97K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Charlottesville, VA

$93K - $112K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Waverly, VA

$96K - $116K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Parksley, VA

$96K - $115K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Martinsville, VA

$92K - $111K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Louisa, VA

$89K - $107K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Hollins, VA

$96K - $115K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Leesburg, VA

$99K - $119K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Montclair, VA

$99K - $118K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Kilmarnock, VA

$95K - $114K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Purcellville, VA

$102K - $122K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Wise, VA

$98K - $117K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lafayette, VA

$95K - $113K/yr

... decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNuclear Power Operator JobsNuclear Power Operator Jobs in Virginia

Nuclear Power Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$908

$1.8K

$1.9K

How much do nuclear power operator jobs pay per month?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average monthly pay for nuclear power operator in Virginia is $1,758.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,733.33 and $1,775.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nuclear power operator do?

A Nuclear Power Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring nuclear reactors at a power plant to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Their duties include adjusting control rods, monitoring reactor systems, recording data, and responding to any abnormal conditions. They must follow strict safety protocols and work closely with engineers and other staff to maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Training and licensing are required for this highly specialized and safety-critical role.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Power Operator, you need a solid understanding of nuclear physics, plant operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and successful completion of operator training and NRC licensing. Familiarity with control room instrumentation, digital monitoring systems, and emergency response procedures is essential. Keen attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding operators apart. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, reliable plant operations and rapid response to any anomalies or emergencies.

What are the primary challenges nuclear power operators face during shift work, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Nuclear Power Operators often work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can disrupt sleep patterns and affect work-life balance. Managing fatigue, maintaining sharp attention to detail, and adhering strictly to safety protocols under varying conditions are key challenges. New hires can prepare by developing strong time-management habits, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and familiarizing themselves with shift work best practices to ensure they remain alert and effective during every shift.

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

AspectNuclear Power OperatorNuclear Reactor Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, technical training, and licensingRequires an associate degree or technical certification, often with licensing
Work EnvironmentOperate and monitor nuclear power plant systems, often in control roomsMaintain, troubleshoot, and repair reactor systems, often in plant facilities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in power plants for plant operationOften works alongside operators, focusing on technical maintenance

The main difference between a Nuclear Power Operator and a Nuclear Reactor Technician lies in their roles: operators oversee plant operations and control systems, while technicians focus on maintenance and repairs. Both roles require specialized training and licensing, and they work closely within nuclear power plants to ensure safe and efficient plant functioning.

How do I become a nuclear power operator?

To become a nuclear power operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training at a nuclear power plant or technical school. They must pass licensing exams from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and gain experience working in the plant's control room, demonstrating knowledge of reactor systems, safety protocols, and operational procedures.

Is it hard to become a nuclear power operator?

Becoming a nuclear power operator requires completing specialized training, obtaining relevant certifications, and passing rigorous exams. The job involves working in a highly regulated environment with strict safety protocols, making it a challenging career path that demands technical skills and attention to detail.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Power Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Nuclear Power Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Power Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Power Operator jobs in Virginia are:

Nuclear Power Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Power Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,101 per year, or $10.1 per hour.

Lead Balance of Plant Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 452 rated engineering

Job description

Description
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems, specifically, hydraulic, heat transfer, and heat balance analyses.
  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
  • Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
  • Lead engineering project teams

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in the power industry
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
  • Previous experience with power uprates and/or turbine related systems is favorable
  • PE license is beneficial, but not required

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

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
$118,023 - $180,313
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

Social media

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