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Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Propulsion Plant experience * Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or related engineering degree * Project planning and management experience * Reactor Plant Operator and/or ...

Engineer II/Sr- Systems

Groton, CT ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The organization maintains technical expertise for nuclear and non-nuclear propulsion plant systems and equipment. Our mission is to provide the US Navy five-star support that increases submarine ...

New

Plant Utilities Assistant

Rome, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/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. ...

Plant Utilities Assistant

Rome, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/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. Must ...

Plant Utilities Assistant

Elmira, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/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. ...

Engineer II/Sr- Systems

Groton, CT ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The organization maintains technical expertise for nuclear and non-nuclear propulsion plant systems and equipment. Our mission is to provide the US Navy five-star support that increases submarine ...

New

Engineer II/Sr- Systems

Groton, CT ยท On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The organization maintains technical expertise for nuclear and non-nuclear propulsion plant systems and equipment. Our mission is to provide the US Navy five-star support that increases submarine ...

New

Plant Utilities Assistant

Elmira, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/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. Must ...

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Senior Reactor Operator

Oswego, NY ยท On-site

$159K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Qualified military reactor operator, watch engineer, propulsion plant supervisor, engineering officer of the watch, or equivalent nuclear propulsion role * Engineering, engineering technology ...

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Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator information

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$18

$33

$61

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

As of Aug 14, 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 the 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.

How do I become a nuclear propulsion plant operator?

To become a nuclear propulsion plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training at a naval or civilian nuclear training program. This includes completing technical coursework, gaining hands-on experience, and obtaining necessary certifications or licenses, such as a nuclear reactor operator license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the United States.

How much do nuclear propulsion plant operators get paid?

Nuclear propulsion plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They often work in highly regulated environments such as military or commercial nuclear facilities and require specialized training and security clearances.

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

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.

How hard is it to be a nuclear propulsion plant operator?

Becoming a nuclear propulsion plant operator requires extensive training, including specialized technical education, on-the-job training, and certification. The job demands high attention to safety protocols, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment, often with shift work and strict regulatory compliance.
Infographic showing various Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,481 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Senior CVN Nuclear Propulsion Specialist

INDUS Technology, Inc.

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Team and the Role

INDUS is a 100% employee-owned, customer-focused government services provider with expertise in Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Program/Financial Management, Logistics, and Data Analytics. At INDUS, we believe in the value of the INDUS team. Together we deliver exceptional customer service, foster a growth and support-centered work environment, and focus on how we can give back to the communities that we serve. Empowering our employees starts on day one and creates an environment full of innovation and promise. By offering mentorship and robust Training and Development opportunities, INDUS continues its pursuit to be the Employer of Choice.ย 

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Senior CVN Nuclear Propulsion Specialistย will provide support to the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) Future Readiness Officer in the areas of Combat Systems Engineering principles, theories, concepts, techniques, and systems integration aboard U.S. Navy Ships by serving as the Future CVN/Propulsion/HM&E Support for all In-Service, Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH), and New Construction Aircraft Carriers.

This is aย contingentย position expected to be located in Norfolk, VA. The pay range for the position will be provided at the time the position is no longer contingent.

What You'll Do
  • Provides support to the Modernization Engineer on all aspects of the future carrier program and for propulsion plant modernization issues.
  • Attend COMNAVAIRLANT/COMNAVAIRPAC N43 meetings regarding CVN maintenance at Newport News Shipbuilding and SUPSHIP Newport News.
  • Utilize training and experience to address propulsion plant maintenance and work integration issues on aircraft carriers.
  • Performs ship checks to assist in technical evaluation and ensure technical accuracy of proposed Ship Change Documents.
  • Assist the Modernization Engineer in the development of the aircraft carrier design and modernization plan as it relates to propulsion plant systems.
  • Provide assessments of propulsion plant SCDs to ensure technical merit and identify any ship integration issues.
  • Provide assessments of fielding plans and CBA for HM&E SCDs.
  • Bid and proposal support if requested.
  • Other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • An active secret clearance is required to be considered for this position.
  • HS Diploma required.
  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years' experience with direct involvement with Naval Nuclear Propulsion onboard aircraft carriers gained through direct operational experience while serving on duty onboard aircraft carriers and qualified as 3M Work Center Supervisor level (or higher).
  • Minimum of ten (10) years' experience accessing and experience in the use of Navy Data Environment (NDE) for Ship Change Documents (SCD).
  • Minimum of ten (10) years' experience reviewing, editing, and/or creating aircraft carrier propulsion/HM&E Ship Change Documents (SCD).
  • Minimum of ten (10) years' experience developing aircraft carrier design and modernization plans as it relates to propulsion plant systems.
  • Must possess basic computer literacy and data entry skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (to include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
  • Must possess strong time management skills.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment.
  • Travel Required ~25% travel required.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Active Navy Data Environment (NDE) account and experience in Haystack Gold (or equivalent), MBPS Windchill, eLAR/SPAR/SPLI, eShock, and other eForms modules desired.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain seated in a stationary position 50% of the time. Must also be able to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking.
  • The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, or recurring and considerable walking, stooping, bending, crouching, and climbing such as performing regular shop activities, inspections, or to observe and study operations in an industrial or comparable work area, or on-board ships, submarines, and/or in weapon facilities.ย 

INDUSย is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME