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

Ocean Atomics LLC

Nuclear Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $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 Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$90 - $130/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 ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD

$77K - $105K/yr

Experience with commercial nuclear power plant operations. * Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Experience with commercial nuclear power plant operations. * Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler ...

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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 15, 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 Test Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$150K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 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
The Test Engineer - Nuclear is responsible for the development, execution, and documentation of test programs supporting the Ocean Atomics Reactor. The role spans safety-related and non-safety-related systems and covers the full test lifecycle: translating design and analysis inputs into test requirements, supporting facility design and commissioning, running test campaigns, reducing and interpreting the resulting data, and issuing the test reports and data packages that feed design verification and regulatory objectives. Work is performed within a multidisciplinary engineering environment in which test results directly inform component and system design decisions and licensing evidence. The successful candidate will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a genuine appetite for hands-on laboratory engineering, and the ability to contribute to complex testing campaigns that advance the commercialization of next-generation nuclear technology deployed on the world's oceans.
What You'll Do
Test Program Definition
  • Develop test requirements based on Ocean Atomics Reactor design and analysis inputs.
  • Translate technical requirements into detailed test plans, procedures, and specifications.

Test Facility Setup and Operation
  • Support the design, setup, commissioning, and operation of test loops and facilities.
  • Execute test programs, including on-site testing and extended test campaigns.
  • Identify and resolve technical issues encountered during test planning and execution.

Data Acquisition and Analysis
  • Ensure proper data acquisition, validation, and quality control in accordance with quality assurance requirements.
  • Perform data reduction, analysis, and visualization to support engineering evaluations and conclusions.

Documentation and Reporting
  • Prepare comprehensive test reports and data packages for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Produce the design verification documentation that flows from test results to the design and licensing basis.

Coordination and Stakeholder Interface
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure alignment between testing activities and design objectives.
  • Interface with internal and external test sponsors to define requirements, communicate progress, and deliver results.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance
  • Ensure testing activities comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct work consistent with the governing quality assurance program and applicable NRC licensing objectives.

What You Bring
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology discipline.
  • 2+ years of relevant laboratory, testing, or engineering experience.
  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings and P&IDs.
  • Experience with technical data reduction, analysis, and visualization.
  • Experience working in a quality-controlled or safety-related environment.
  • Ability to support on-site testing, extended test campaigns, and occasional travel.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and provide timely technical recommendations.
  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in Engineering discipline.
  • 3-5 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in laboratory, testing, or experimental engineering environments.
  • Experience with test loop or test facility setup, commissioning, and operation.
  • Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and visualization.
  • Familiarity with instrumentation selection, calibration, and data acquisition systems.
  • Experience working under NQA-1 quality assurance programs and knowledge of U.S. NRC licensing processes.
  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, reports, and design verification documentation.
  • Experience interfacing directly with internal or external customers, sponsors, or stakeholders.
  • Nuclear industry experience is highly desirable.

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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