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Nuclear Power Plant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

USA JOBS

Operations Engineer

Rockville, MD

$106K/yr

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: 1. Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of nuclear reactor and commercial nuclear power plant engineering. (Examples ...

AECOM

Environmental Sr Manager - Nuclear

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

The successful candidate will be responsible for team management and have experience overseeing environmental assessment report development for nuclear power plant license renewal or new nuclear ...

Ocean Atomics LLC

Balance of Plant Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

... plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants ... Our mission Scale nuclear energy. Power generations. Our vision A maritime commons thriving with ...

Ocean Atomics LLC

Nuclear Safety Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

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 ...

Ocean Atomics

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

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 ...

Ocean Atomics LLC

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

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 ...

Blue Energy

Modularization Manager

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

Company Overview Blue Energy is transforming how nuclear power gets built. Instead of constructing each plant on-site from scratch - a process that takes 10-15 years and is too expensive and ...

Mpr Associates

Project Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... nuclear power industry. We specialize in difficult-to-solve replacement hardware solutions that are critical to plant operation and nuclear regulatory compliance. NuSource is seeking a technical and ...

Ocean Atomics LLC

Nuclear Fuels Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

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 ...

Bechtel

Startup & Operations Coordinator

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $203K/yr

Bechtel has been selected to partner on the design and construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. In partnership with Westinghouse Electric ...

NuSource, LLC

Project Manager

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

... nuclear power industry. We specialize in difficult-to-solve replacement hardware solutions that are critical to plant operation and nuclear regulatory compliance. NuSource is seeking a technical and ...

Bechtel

Startup & Operations Coordinator

Reston, VA

$140K - $203K/yr

Bechtel has been selected to partner on the design and construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. In partnership with Westinghouse Electric ...

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All JobsNuclear Power Plant JobsNuclear Power Plant Jobs in Reston, VA

Nuclear Power Plant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$19

$34

$63

How much do nuclear power plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear power plant in Reston, VA is $34.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $63.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectNuclear Power PlantNuclear Reactor Operator
Primary RoleOversees entire plant operations, safety, and maintenanceControls and monitors reactor systems during operation
CredentialsEngineering or technical degree, licensingTraining, licensing, and certification specific to reactor operation
Work EnvironmentPower plant facilities, control rooms, maintenance areasControl room, reactor floor, safety zones
Industry UsagePower generation, energy sectorReactor operation within power plants

While both roles are integral to nuclear energy production, a Nuclear Power Plant encompasses the entire facility's operations, safety, and maintenance. In contrast, a Nuclear Reactor Operator focuses specifically on controlling and monitoring the reactor during operation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the nuclear industry.

What kind of jobs are at a nuclear power plant?

Jobs at a nuclear power plant include reactor operators, nuclear engineers, radiation protection technicians, maintenance technicians, and safety personnel. These roles require specialized training, technical skills, and often certifications such as NRC licenses or safety clearances. Employees work in environments that prioritize safety protocols and technical expertise to ensure efficient and secure plant operation.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Power Plant Operator, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized technical training or an associate degree. Familiarity with control room systems, process monitoring software, and obtaining a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license are critical. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for managing safety protocols and coordinating with team members. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear power facilities.

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

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant can be competitive and requires relevant education, such as a degree in engineering, nuclear science, or related fields. Candidates often need specialized training, security clearances, and certifications like NRC licenses, along with experience in the energy or technical sectors.

What is a nuclear power plant?

A nuclear power plant is a facility that generates electricity by using nuclear reactions, typically through the process of nuclear fission. In these plants, uranium or other radioactive materials are used as fuel to produce heat, which then creates steam to drive turbines and generate electricity. Nuclear power plants are known for producing large amounts of energy with low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. However, they require strict safety measures to manage radioactive materials and prevent accidents. These plants play a significant role in providing reliable, large-scale energy in many countries.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a nuclear power plant?

Employees at nuclear power plants often face unique challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, managing high levels of responsibility, and working in regulated environments that require constant vigilance. Teamwork is essential, as most tasks involve collaboration with engineers, technicians, and safety specialists to ensure operational integrity. Additionally, employees may need to participate in ongoing training and drills to stay current with industry standards and emergency procedures.

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Power Plant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Power Plant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Nuclear Power Plant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Nuclear Power Plant job openings:

Nuclear Power Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Power Plant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% 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 $72,285 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$95K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 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.

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