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Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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Nuclear Power Reactor Operator information

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$917

$1.8K

$1.9K

How much do nuclear power reactor operator jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average monthly pay for nuclear power reactor operator in Delaware is $1,775.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,750.00 and $1,791.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear power reactor operators during a typical shift?

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding quickly to alarms, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols under pressure. They must remain vigilant during long shifts, closely monitor multiple systems, and communicate effectively with engineers and other team members. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm and focused to ensure the reactor operates safely and efficiently.

How much do nuclear power reactor operators get paid?

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

How do you become a nuclear power reactor operator?

To become a nuclear power reactor operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training and certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This includes completing a training program, gaining on-the-job experience, and passing written and practical exams to obtain a reactor operator license. Strong technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment are essential.

What is a nuclear power reactor operator?

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators are professionals responsible for controlling nuclear reactors at power plants. They monitor reactor systems, adjust controls, and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the reactor operates safely and efficiently. Their duties also include responding to abnormalities, performing routine inspections, and coordinating with other plant personnel. Operators must be licensed and highly trained due to the complexity and safety requirements of the job.

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

AspectNuclear Power Reactor OperatorNuclear Power Plant Technician
CredentialsLicensing, training, and certification specific to reactor operationTechnical certifications, often in electrical, mechanical, or nuclear systems
Work EnvironmentControl room, reactor areas, safety monitoringEquipment maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting in plant areas
Employer & IndustryPower plants, energy sector, regulated by nuclear authoritiesPower plants, maintenance firms, nuclear industry

While both roles work within nuclear power plants, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators focus on controlling and monitoring reactor systems, ensuring safe operation. Nuclear Power Plant Technicians handle maintenance, repairs, and technical support. Both require specialized training and certifications, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and extensive on-the-job training. Proficiency in using control room instrumentation, simulator training systems, and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license are typically required. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors, maintaining regulatory compliance, and protecting public and environmental safety.
What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Power Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware? For Nuclear Power Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Power Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware are:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Power Reactor Operator job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,302 per year, or $10.2 per hour.

License Renewal Engineer 3 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Wilmington, DE • Hybrid

$95K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

We are seeking an experienced License Renewal (LR) and Subsequent License Renewal (SLR) engineer in the nuclear industry.  We support various nuclear power plants’ license extensions and post license approval implementation activities across the US nuclear power plant fleet.

The ideal candidate would have experience with LR/SLR application or implementation activities, nuclear industry related engineering programs, nuclear power plant work management/scheduling, NRC submittals, and/or NRC inspections. 

Example LR/SLR application activities include scoping, screening, aging management reviews, aging management programs, Time Limited Aging Analysis (TLAAs), Further Evaluations, operating experience review, and modification history review as described in NEI 95-10 and NEI 17-01.

Example LR/SLR implementation activities include procedure changes, preventative maintenance basis and frequency development, work order development and review, online and outage work management  and scheduling,   nuclear program basis document development, NRC commitment closure, NRC Inspection Procedure 71003 experience. 

Preferred candidates would have experience in one or more of the following disciplines and/or Aging Management programs.

  • Mechanical Aging Management Programs
  • ASME Section XI Inservice Inspection
  • Water Chemistry
  • Reactor Head Closure Studs
  • Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Inner Diameter Attachment Welds
  • BWR Stress Corrosion Cracking
  • BWR Penetrations
  • BWR Vessel Internals
  • Boric Acid Corrosion
  • Cracking of Nickel Alloy Components and Loss of Material due to Boric Acid Induced Corrosion in Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary Components
  • Thermal Aging Embrittlement of Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel (CASS)
  • PWR Vessel Internals
  • Flow-Accelerated Corrosion
  • Bolting Integrity
  • Steam Generators
  • Open-Cycle Cooling Water System
  • Closed Treaded Water Systems
  • Boraflex Monitoring
  • Inspection of Overhead Heavy Load and Light Load (related to refueling) Handling Systems
  • Compressed Air Monitoring
  • BWR Reactor Water Cleanup System
  • Fire Protection
  • Fire Water Systems
  • Outdoor and Large Atmospheric Metallic Storage Tanks (OLAMST)
  • Fuel Oil Chemistry
  • Reactor Vessel Material Surveillance
  • One-Time Inspection
  • Selective Leaching
  • ASME Code Class 1 Small Bore Piping
  • External Surface Monitoring of Mechanical Components
  • Flux Thimble Tube Inspection
  • Inspection of Internal Surfaces in Miscellaneous Piping and Ducting Components
  • Lube Oil Analysis
  • Monitoring of Neutron Absorbing Materials other than Boraflex
  • Buried and Underground Piping and Tanks
  • Internal Coatings and Linings for in-scope piping, piping components, heat exchangers, and tanks
  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Piping and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Repaired piping

Electrical Aging Management Programs:

  • Electrical insulation for electrical cables and connection not subject to 10 CFR 50.49 Environmental Qualification requirements
  • Electrical insulation for electrical cables and connection not subject to 10 CFR 50.49 Environmental Qualification requirements used in instrumentation circuits
  • Electrical insulation for inaccessible electrical cables not subject to 10 CFR 50.49 Environmental Qualification requirements
  • Metal Enclosed Bus
  • Fuse Holders
  • Electrical Cable Connections not subject to 10 CFR 50.49 Environmental Qualification requirements
  • High Voltage Insulators

Structural Aging Management Programs:

  • ASME Section XI IWE, IWF, and IWL
  • 10 CFR Part 50, App J
  • Masonry Walls
  • Structures Monitoring
  • Inspections of Water-Control Structures assc. w/ Nuclear Power Plants
  • Protective Coating Monitoring and Maintenance

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform System Scoping, Screening, and Aging Management Review of nuclear plant systems in support of SLR applications in accordance with NEI 17-01 and current industry best practices.
  • Collaborate with engineering and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with NRC regulations and license extension commitments.
  • Perform engineering program basis documentation, data validation, engineering change tracking, and configuration control.
  • Roadmap required inspections to comply with NRC regulations and license renewal commitments.
  • Review inspection work orders to ensure license renewal criteria is met.
  • Interact with clients and/or NRC in a technical expert role.
  • Maintain awareness of changes in aging management regulations, approaches, techniques, and operating experience
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, technology forward, and cross-functional collaboration.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

  • ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in engineering, licensing engineering, program engineering, design engineering, power plant inspection, or AI, ideally within nuclear or within a highly regulated industry.
  • Experience delivering accurate, high quality, technical documentation in a highly regulated environment
  • Familiarity with engineering documentation systems, nuclear QA/QC protocols, and configuration management.
  • Strong systems thinking skills and ability to balance innovation with compliance, safety, and traceability.

Preferred Experience:

  • Nuclear power plant operations, engineering, or design background
  • Experience with NRC, INPO, or DOE regulations
  • Prior involvement in license renewal, subsequent license renewal, or nuclear aging management programs
  • Familiarity with nuclear industry documents:  NUREG-1800, NUREG-1801, NEI 95-10, NUREG-2191, NUREG-2192, NUREG-2221, NEI 17-01, and/or NUREG 1555
  • Participation and/or familiarity with Nuclear Energy Institutes’ License Renewal Task Force

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

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

$74,353 - $113,595
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.

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!


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

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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

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