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Nuclear Refueling Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer I/II/Sr. or Pr.

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$102K - $123K/yr

A background in Nuclear Engineering with exceptional problem solving, communication, and teamwork ... Participate in Xcel Energy Emergency Response Organization, refueling outages (including irradiated ...

Support plant refueling outages by transitioning to the plant staff during lengthy outages ... Candidates must satisfy all Company and Nuclear Regulatory Commission security requirements As a ...

Support plant refueling outages by transitioning to the plant staff during lengthy outages ... Candidates must satisfy all Company and Nuclear Regulatory Commission security requirements As a ...

Support plant refueling outages by transitioning to the plant staff during lengthy outages ... Candidates must satisfy all Company and Nuclear Regulatory Commission security requirements As a ...

Nuclear Refueling information

See Minnesota salary details

$18

$50

$75

How much do nuclear refueling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear refueling in Minnesota is $50.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.37 and $61.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a nuclear refueling technician?

To become a nuclear refueling technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training provided by nuclear power plants or technical schools. Certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and on-the-job training are required, along with strong technical skills and safety knowledge related to nuclear systems and radiation protection.

What challenges might I encounter as part of a nuclear refueling team?

Working in nuclear refueling involves adhering to strict safety procedures, managing time-critical operations, and maintaining concentration during long, often repetitive shifts. You may face physically demanding tasks, work in confined spaces or highly regulated environments, and need to coordinate closely with other technicians, engineers, and safety personnel. Because refueling outages are scheduled and can require extended shifts, flexibility and a strong commitment to safety are essential. Overcoming these challenges is a vital part of ensuring the continued safe operation of the nuclear facility.

What is a nuclear refueling?

A Nuclear Refueling job involves the maintenance, replacement, and inspection of nuclear fuel in reactors, typically during scheduled outages. Workers in this role ensure the safe handling and positioning of fuel assemblies while following strict safety protocols. It requires a strong understanding of reactor operations, mechanical systems, and radiation safety. This job is commonly found in nuclear power plants, naval vessels, and research reactors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the nuclear refueling position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nuclear Refueling, you need a solid understanding of nuclear physics principles, mechanical systems, and rigorous safety protocols, often supported by a technical degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with radiation monitoring devices, robotic fueling equipment, and compliance with NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) regulations is vital. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this demanding environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient refueling operations and adherence to strict safety and quality standards in nuclear power plants.

How much does a nuclear refueling technician make?

A nuclear refueling technician typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role requires specialized training and adherence to strict safety protocols, often involving shift work in nuclear power plant environments.
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What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Nuclear Refueling jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Nuclear Refueling job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Refueling job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,741 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer I/II/Sr. or Pr.

Xcel Energy

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$102K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Responsible for performing a variety of nuclear fuels engineering tasks in the areas of reload core design, reload licensing analyses, and in-core fuel management in support of BWR plant operation. A background in Nuclear Engineering with exceptional problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills is preferred for this position. Individuals in this position may also provide technical guidance and direction to consultants or other Xcel employees in support of in-plant activities and producing high quality, timely and cost-effective engineering solutions to technical problems.

This position will be considered for the corporate office located in Minneapolis, MN.

Primary Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform reload core / bundle design, reload licensing, in-core fuel management, and analyses supporting fuel reliability and performance of nuclear fuel.

  • Perform and coordinate engineering assignments in support of the cycle reload project. These activities include reload fuel and core design, in-house and vendor reload licensing analyses, license amendment preparation, Core Monitoring System input preparation, and Startup Physics analyses. Work alone or as part of a project team. Schedule work to meet completion dates and technical requirements

  • Recommend changes in procedures, analysis methods, design, or equipment. Work activities may include on-site support of fuel inspections, fuel and control blade manufacturing oversight, or other special studies as appropriate.

  • Apply sound engineering principles to provide technically correct, timely and cost-effective recommendations.

  • Review and approve design work completed by contractors and/or other engineers and be a key interface with other groups, both internal and external to Xcel Energy.

  • Work effectively in a team environment, as a team leader, mentor, and as a team member.

  • Understand and practice company safety and industrial hygiene policies during the conduct of such activities as core verification, irradiated fuel inspection, and manufacturing oversight.

  • Clearly communicate technical and complex nuclear fuel related topics orally and in writing to all levels of management. This includes collaborating with management to define issues and needs as well as developing and recommending improvement and corrective actions.

  • Participate in Xcel Energy Emergency Response Organization, refueling outages (including irradiated fuel inspections and fuel maintenance), and vendor oversight activities, as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Engineer I

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 0-2 years of experience. Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 690 minutes from the nuclear generation station. Required to maintain nuclear "fitness for duty" during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Incumbents must demonstrate satisfactory performance and progress in learning the skills and competencies to be an engineer in the nuclear utility business.

Engineer II

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 2 years' experience. Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 90 minutes from the nuclear generation station. May be required to maintain fitness for duty during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Incumbents must demonstrate satisfactory performance and progress in learning the skills and competencies to be an engineer at a career level in the nuclear utility business.

Engineer

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 6 years of engineering experience with satisfactory performance in nuclear generating plant operations and or maintenance processes is required; equivalent electrical power plant experience industrial, naval or Outreach Engineering Management (OEM) is acceptable in lieu of nuclear generation experience. Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required to assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 90 minutes from the nuclear generation station. Required to maintain nuclear "fitness for duty" during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Preferred Professional Engineer (PE) license. Advance degree (in engineering or other related technical field).

Sr. Engineer

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 8 or more years engineering experience with satisfactory performance and demonstrated expertise in problem solving in nuclear generating plants accompanied by demonstrated expertise in at least one engineering discipline area is required; (note: equivalent years of engineering experience in electrical power plant experience industrial, naval or Outreach Engineering Management (OEM) may be considered in lieu of up to one half of nuclear generation experience). Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Company's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required to assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 90 minutes from the nuclear generation station. Required to maintain nuclear "fitness for duty" during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license. Advanced degree (in engineering or other related technical field).

Preferred Qualifications

  • At least three years of experience and improving performance in an entry level position.

  • BWR core design experience preferred.

  • PC skills are required in the performance of daily work activities. Proficiency with linux, scripting, and programming is desired.Previous experience using CASMO-SIMULATE.

  • A working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards, as they pertain to the area of nuclear fuel engineering, is also desirable.

  • M.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering is preferred.

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, exhibit sound judgment, strong leadership, and assertiveness to resolve issues. Flexibility with changing priorities and changing ways of doing business.

  • Demonstrated initiative, problem analysis, and problem-solving skills.

  • Engineer in Training Certificateor Professional Engineer License

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $77,500.00 to $189,567.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 07/30/26

EEO is the Law |EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


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About Xcel Energy

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Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909