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Nuclear Power Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Nuclear Power Plant Operator information

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How much do nuclear power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear power plant operator in Virginia is $33.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $60.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nuclear power plant operator do?

A Nuclear Power Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the systems that generate electricity in a nuclear power plant. They manage equipment such as reactors, turbines, and cooling systems to ensure safe and efficient operation. Operators also respond to abnormalities, perform safety checks, and follow strict protocols to prevent accidents. Their role is critical in maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous power generation.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of physics, engineering principles, and safety protocols, generally supported by a high school diploma, technical training, and NRC operator licensing. Proficiency in using control room instrumentation, plant management software, and radiation monitoring systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring plant safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable power generation.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear power plant operators in their daily work?

Nuclear Power Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols while troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions under pressure. The role requires constant vigilance, as operators must monitor multiple systems and respond quickly to any irregularities. Additionally, adapting to rotating shifts and staying updated with evolving regulations and technology can be demanding. However, strong teamwork and comprehensive training help operators manage these challenges effectively.

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

AspectNuclear Power Plant OperatorNuclear Reactor Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, licensing, and on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in nuclear technology or related field, certification
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, safety zonesReactor systems, maintenance areas, technical labs
Job RoleMonitor plant operations, start/stop reactors, ensure safety protocolsMaintain and repair reactor systems, assist in troubleshooting

Both roles are essential in nuclear power plants, with operators focusing on overseeing plant functions and technicians handling technical maintenance. While their credentials and daily tasks differ, they work closely to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.

How do I become a nuclear power plant operator?

To become a nuclear power 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 on-the-job training and must pass written and practical exams to obtain licensure, demonstrating knowledge of reactor systems, safety procedures, and operational protocols.

How much do nuclear power plant operators get paid?

Nuclear power plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in shifts and require specialized training and licensing to operate nuclear reactors safely.

Is it hard to become a nuclear power plant operator?

Becoming a nuclear power plant operator requires extensive training, including a bachelor's degree in a related field, on-the-job training, and passing licensing exams from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The process is rigorous due to the safety-critical nature of the job and the need for strong technical skills and attention to detail.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Nuclear Power Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Power Plant Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,885 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Nuclear Power Plant Technical (IPT) Lead

BWX Technologies, Inc.

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$99 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Nuclear Power Plant Technical (IPT) Lead

Date: Aug 21, 2026

Location: Lynchburg, VA, US

Company: BWXT

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .

Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.

If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.

Position Overview:

The Nuclear Plant Integrated Project Team (IPT) Lead will be responsible for leading the overall plant integration for an advanced reactor development program. This role will coordinate overall plant activities with other IPT leads including System Design, Site, Reactor, and partners to facilitate identification and resolution of technical challenges. The Plant IPT’s scope of work includes integration of all systems and sub-systems comprising electrical, instrumentation and controls, and mechanical systems. This role will work closely with the program Chief Engineer and Lead Systems Engineer and is responsible for the development and execution of project schedules and budgets at the overall plant level.

Location:

On-site in Lynchburg, Virginia at the Advanced Technologies Office.

Your Day to Day as a Nuclear Power Plant Integrated Project Team (IPT) Lead:

  • Serve as technical project manager leading the integration of the overall power plant project.
  • Lead periodic cross-functional team meetings, focusing on task tracking, issue identification, and action tracking.
  • Identify issues, monitor risks, and develop mitigation plans, including schedule and budget estimates.
  • Lead efforts to identify and document needed project changes via change/risk release process.
  • Review Design Change Requests (DCR) for impacts at the overall plant level and coordinate the implementation of the changes upon approval.
  • Ensure changes to scope, delivery, and resources are maintained in the project schedule.
  • Collaborate with procurement engineering, purchasing, quality, and suppliers to ensure purchased components meet technical, cost, delivery, and quality requirements.
  • Drive for task completion, schedule, and budget adherence.
  • Report weekly team progress reporting via 'Quad Chart.'
  • Support other IPTs through meeting attendance and coordination.
  • Coordinate with resource managers and supervisors to ensure adequate staffing and resource distribution.
  • Provide regular reporting and briefings to project team, including critical issues, risks, and schedule performance.
  • Support team load board efforts, as required.
  • Offer technical guidance and oversight for project tasks and deliverables, including conducting thorough technical reviews of documentation.
  • Communicate with internal and external customers/stakeholders on technical and programmatic issues.
  • Coordinate with external partner technical leads to ensure deliverables and products are compliant with requirements and integrate into the overall plant seamlessly.
  • Interface with customer technical leads to ensure customer needs and requirements are met at the overall plant level.

Required Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, nuclear or similar discipline) is required.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of related work experience is required.
  • Must have a demonstrated technical background in system design and the integration of systems.
  • Must be proficient standard Microsoft Office applications.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to self-direct with minimal day-to-day supervision.
  • Must be a strong team player with the ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Registered Professional Engineer licensure.
  • Experience in the nuclear industry.
  • Familiarity with NRC and/or DOE requirements.
  • Familiarity with ASME BPVC, NQA-1, NFPA, INCOSE/IEEE Systems Engineering, and similar codes and standards.
  • Active DOD or DOE security clearance.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $99,000.00- $180,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $99,000.00 and $180,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed ‘at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: Power Plant, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear, Defense, DoD, Energy, Engineering, Government

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