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Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orion Talent

Senior Reactor Operator

Braceville, IL · On-site

Will need to complete Plant Operator Selection System (POSS), Basic Math and Science Test (BMST ... Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor (PPWS) * Correlating NEC Codes: * N13S - Submarine Nuclear ...

DTE Energy

Licensed Nuclear Operator

Newport, MI · On-site

Directs the activities of Nuclear Operators including scheduling work, giving work direction and ... Engineering Officer of the Watch / Propulsion Plant Watch Officer * Engineering Watch Supervisor ...

DTE Energy

Licensed Nuclear Operator

Newport, MI · On-site

Directs the activities of Nuclear Operators including scheduling work, giving work direction and ... Engineering Officer of the Watch / Propulsion Plant Watch Officer * Engineering Watch Supervisor ...

StateJobsNY

Plant Utilities Engineer 1 (NY HELPS)

Rome, NY · On-site

$56K - $68K/yr

Or 4. Must have been an enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy; Or 5. ...

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Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator information

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear propulsion plant operator in the United States is $33.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $60.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator aboard a naval vessel?

As a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, your daily tasks include monitoring reactor controls, performing routine system checks, and executing operational procedures to ensure safe and efficient power generation. You will also participate in regular drills, maintenance activities, and troubleshoot any equipment anomalies. Collaboration with engineering and safety teams is essential, as is maintaining detailed logs and adhering to strict safety protocols to support the vessel's mission.

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

AspectNuclear Propulsion Plant OperatorNuclear Reactor Operator
CertificationsRequires NRC licenses, specialized trainingRequires NRC licenses, reactor-specific training
Work EnvironmentMarine vessels, submarines, aircraft carriersPower plants, research reactors
Industry UsageNaval and military maritime industryCommercial and research nuclear facilities

Both roles require NRC licensing and involve operating nuclear systems, but Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operators primarily work on naval vessels, while Nuclear Reactor Operators work in civilian power plants and research facilities. The key difference lies in their work environment and specific operational focus.

What is a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator?

A Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator is a specialized professional responsible for operating and monitoring the nuclear reactors that power ships or submarines, primarily in the naval sector. Their duties include controlling reactor systems, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining optimal performance of the propulsion machinery. They undergo rigorous training to handle complex systems and respond to emergencies. This role is critical for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of nuclear-powered vessels. Operators often work in teams and must maintain high levels of attention to detail and discipline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, you need a solid background in mechanical and electrical systems, physics, and mathematics, often supported by technical training or military certification. Familiarity with reactor control systems, diagnostic tools, and safety protocols is essential, along with completion of specialized nuclear operations training programs. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient plant operation and quick, effective responses to any abnormal situations, which are vital for protecting personnel and equipment.
Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,481 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Senior Reactor Operator

Senior Reactor Operator

Orion Talent

Braceville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description
The primary purpose of this position is to train and prepare to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor who holds a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) License. Upon completion of training the candidate will be fully licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to supervise the licensed activities of licensed reactor operators in the reactor control room. They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally.
Locations: Clinton, Braceville, and Morris, IL -Stations.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
  • Navy Nuke Background, primarily ETs, is the ideal fit
  • Prior supervisory and/or leadership experience
  • Will need to complete Plant Operator Selection System (POSS), Basic Math and Science Test (BMST), and FLS (First Line Supervisor) assessment
  • There are 2 Pathways to qualification based on Military Service:
    • Pathway 1: Combination of holding one of these 5 job titles for 18 months with the correlating NEC code:
      • Reactor Operator (RO)
      • Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOW)
      • Propulsion Plant Watch Officer (PPWO)
      • Engineering Watch Supervisor (EWS)
      • Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor (PPWS)
    • Correlating NEC Codes:
      • N13S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Reactor Control
      • N14S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Electrical
      • N15S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Mechanical
      • N16S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Engineering Laboratory Technician
      • N23S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Reactor Control
      • N24S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Electrical
      • N25S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Mechanical
      • N26S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Engineering Laboratory Technician
      • N33Z - Submarine Engineering Watch Supervisor And Surface Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor
      • U16A - Shipboard Engineering Plant Program Manager
      • U65A - Amphibious Command Ship (LCC)/Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Steam Plant Operations (SPO) Qualified
  • Pathway 2: Certified Instructor
    • Certified by utility or by an NSSS vendor training program. Has completed the same training as a licensed SRO including generic fundamentals. Length of required nuclear power plant facility experience is as follows:
    • For Comparable: Experience credited at 1:1 ratio. Current or commercial power reactor facility. Same vendor and vintage. More than 4 years.
    • For Noncomparable: Experience credited at 1.5:1 ratio. Current or commercial power reactor facility. Different reactor type (BWR OR PWR), vendor, and/or vintage. More than 6 years.

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