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Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Plant Manager

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and safe operation of Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge nuclear fuel fabrication facility. This role provides strategic and day-to ...

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Plant Manager

Oak Ridge, TN

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and safe operation of Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge nuclear fuel fabrication facility. This role provides strategic and day-to ...

BWXT

Systems Engineer 3-Oak Ridge,Tennessee

Loudon, TN

$86K - $136K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... BWXT's Enrichment Operations (EO) in Oak Ridge focus on the engineering, fabrication, and testing ...

BWXT

Systems Engineer 3-Oak Ridge,Tennessee

Loudon, TN

$86K - $136K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... BWXT's Enrichment Operations (EO) in Oak Ridge focus on the engineering, fabrication, and testing ...

BWXT

Systems Engineer 3-Oak Ridge,Tennessee

Loudon, TN

$86K - $136K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... BWXT's Enrichment Operations (EO) in Oak Ridge focus on the engineering, fabrication, and testing ...

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Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant information

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How much do oak ridge nuclear plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for oak ridge nuclear plant in Tennessee is $30.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $55.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at the Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Working at the Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant often involves strict adherence to safety protocols, complex problem-solving, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. New employees may initially find the regulatory environment and technical requirements challenging, but thorough training and mentorship programs are provided to help them adapt. Being proactive in learning, asking questions, and staying updated on safety procedures can greatly ease the transition into this highly regulated and safety-focused workplace.

What is the difference between Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectOak Ridge Nuclear PlantNuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsTypically requires NRC license, training, and certificationsRequires NRC license, extensive training, and certification
Work EnvironmentPower plant, laboratory, or research facilityReactor control room, power plant
Industry UsageEnergy production, research, and national labsPower generation facilities, nuclear plants
Job RoleOversees reactor operations, safety protocols, and maintenanceControls reactor systems, monitors safety, responds to alarms

Both roles require NRC licensing, involve working in nuclear facilities, and focus on reactor safety. However, Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant often refers to a specific site involved in research and national labs, while Nuclear Reactor Operators work across various power plants. The roles are similar in credentials and environment but differ in specific responsibilities and settings.

How hard is it to get a job in an Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant?

Getting a job at an Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant typically requires relevant technical skills, such as engineering, nuclear science, or safety training, along with security clearances. The hiring process is competitive and involves background checks, certifications, and sometimes specialized training or experience in nuclear operations. Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous application process due to the plant's safety and security standards.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Plant Operator at Oak Ridge, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering principles, strong mathematical skills, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree, often supported by relevant nuclear industry certifications. Familiarity with plant control systems, radiation monitoring equipment, and compliance with NRC regulations is crucial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of nuclear facilities, protecting both personnel and the environment.

What is the Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant?

The Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant, often referred to as the Oak Ridge Reservation, is a federally-owned complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, managed by the U.S. Department of Energy. It was originally established during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project to develop nuclear weapons. Today, the site is home to several major facilities, including the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and is focused on nuclear research, energy production, and environmental management. The plant plays a key role in scientific advancements and supports a variety of national security and environmental cleanup missions.

What are popular job titles related to Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant jobs in Tennessee?

For Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant job openings:

Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,063 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Plant Manager

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and safe operation of Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge nuclear fuel fabrication facility. This role provides strategic and day-to-day leadership across plant operations, ensuring the facility achieves its production, safety, quality, regulatory, financial, and operational objectives while fostering a strong nuclear safety culture.
As the senior operations leader for the facility, the Plant Manager is accountable for manufacturing execution, workforce performance, operational discipline, equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional coordination. This role oversees production operations while partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, Nuclear Safety, Criticality Safety, Radiological Controls, EH&S, Maintenance, Facilities, Supply Chain, Planning, Security, and other support organizations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations.
The Plant Manager is responsible for building and developing a high-performing operations organization as the facility accelerates manufacturing. This includes establishing operational excellence, driving continuous improvement, developing frontline leaders, and ensuring all work is performed safely, consistently, and in full compliance with applicable quality, radiological, regulatory, and nuclear safety requirements.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and the ability to balance operational execution with long-term organizational growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Plant Leadership & Operations
  • Lead the safe, secure, and efficient operation of Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge nuclear fuel fabrication facility
  • Own plant performance across production, safety, quality, regulatory compliance, schedule, and cost
  • Foster a strong nuclear safety culture focused on compliance, accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement
  • Establish clear performance expectations and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with company policies, approved procedures, and regulatory requirements
  • Provide visible leadership on the manufacturing floor and reinforce expectations for safe, disciplined, and reliable operations

Manufacturing & Production Performance
  • Execute the facility production plan, ensuring manufacturing commitments are achieved safely, on schedule, and within quality standards
  • Monitor and improve key operational metrics, including throughput, yield, labor productivity, equipment availability, schedule adherence, downtime, and manufacturing cost
  • Work with Engineering to identify production constraints and support corrective actions to improve reliability, efficiency, and production capacity
  • Optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, and facility resources while supporting the introduction of new manufacturing capabilities and processes
  • Drive production performance as the facility accelerates manufacturing and scales operations

Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with applicable DOE, NRC, NQA-1, environmental, radiological, criticality safety, security, and company requirements
  • Promote safe work practices, contamination control, material accountability, and disciplined operational execution
  • Partner with Quality, Nuclear Safety, Radiological Controls, Criticality Safety, EH&S, and Security to support audits, inspections, readiness reviews, and regulatory assessments
  • Ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective actions and maintain operational readiness
  • Reinforce a culture where safety, quality, compliance, and production performance are integrated into daily operations

Leadership & Workforce Development
  • Lead and mentor production supervisors, technicians, operators, and other plant personnel while promoting accountability and professional development
  • Ensure personnel are properly trained, qualified, and prepared to support current and future operational needs
  • Develop frontline leaders who can execute production plans, reinforce standards, and support a disciplined manufacturing environment
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, ownership, continuous learning, and operational excellence
  • Build the organizational capability required to support long-term production growth

Continuous Improvement & Operational Discipline
  • Establish effective daily management systems, production reviews, shift handoffs, and performance metrics
  • Lead root cause investigations and implementation of sustainable corrective actions for operational, safety, quality, and equipment issues
  • Develop scalable manufacturing systems and processes to support long-term production growth
  • Drive improvements in throughput, yield, equipment reliability, labor productivity, and cost performance
  • Ensure lessons learned from production, maintenance, quality, and safety events are translated into durable operational improvements

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Supply Chain, Planning, Quality, Finance, EH&S, Nuclear Safety, Security, Licensing, and executive leadership to optimize plant performance
  • Balance production priorities with maintenance, capital projects, staffing, and long-term operational objectives
  • Communicate plant performance, operational risks, resource needs, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership
  • Support facility expansions, commissioning activities, operational readiness reviews, customer engagements, and regulatory interactions
  • Ensure cross-functional teams are aligned around plant priorities, constraints, and execution needs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered
  • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, plant operations, industrial operations, or production leadership
  • Experience leading supervisors, technicians, operators, and cross-functional plant teams in a manufacturing or industrial environment
  • Demonstrated experience owning plant or site-level performance across safety, quality, production, cost, staffing, and operational execution
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production metrics, operational discipline, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement
  • Experience operating in regulated, safety-critical, high-reliability, or quality-controlled manufacturing environments
  • Proven ability to build teams, develop frontline leaders, establish accountability, and lead through growth or operational change
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and cross-functional leadership skills
  • Experience with DOE, NRC, NQA-1, nuclear, radiological, criticality safety, or other highly regulated environments strongly preferred
  • Experience in nuclear fuel fabrication, nuclear operations, chemical processing, aerospace, defense, energy, or advanced manufacturing is a plus

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is based on-site at Standard Nuclear's Oak Ridge, TN nuclear fuel fabrication facility and requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
The position involves frequent interaction with production teams, technical staff, plant support functions, industrial equipment, controlled areas, and regulated work environments. Work may involve use of PPE, participation in work planning, and adherence to site safety, quality, radiological, contamination control, criticality safety, security, and operational procedures. Occasional travel may be required to support company operations, vendors, customers, or regulatory activities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Standard Nuclear embraces equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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