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Power Plant Operations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... nuclear power plant engineering. (Examples include: Positions held as a licensed operator ... Specific experience and training in the operation and/or testing of nuclear power plants.

Mechanical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$120K - $156K/yr

Summary The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Utilities and Power Plant Operations. This is a unique opportunity to support the mission of the AOC and serve as a Mechanical ...

... first nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. In partnership with ... Job Summary: The Startup and Operations Coordinator will provide planning coordination and ...

... first nuclear power plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. In partnership with ... Job Summary: The Startup and Operations Coordinator will provide planning coordination and ...

The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Utilities and Power Plant Operations. This is a unique opportunity to support the mission of the AOC and serve as a Mechanical Engineer ...

Customer and operational focus Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands: Typical office and industrial power plant environment with no unusual hazards, occasional lifting to 50 pounds ...

Customer and operational focus Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands: Typical office and industrial power plant environment with no unusual hazards, occasional lifting to 50 pounds ...

Showing results 21-40

Power Plant Operations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$111.1K

$180K

How much do power plant operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for power plant operations in Reston, VA is $111,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,700.00 and $138,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operations vs Power Plant Maintenance?

AspectPower Plant OperationsPower Plant Maintenance
Primary FocusManaging daily plant functions, overseeing plant performance, and ensuring continuous power generationInspecting, repairing, and maintaining equipment to prevent failures and ensure optimal operation
Required CertificationsOperator licenses, technical certificationsTechnician or maintenance certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, outdoor sitesWorkshops, equipment rooms, outdoor maintenance areas
Industry UsagePower generation facilities, utility companiesPower plants, industrial facilities, maintenance service providers

Power Plant Operations and Power Plant Maintenance are closely related roles within the energy industry. Operations focus on managing the plant's daily functions and ensuring continuous power output, while Maintenance involves repairing and maintaining equipment to prevent downtime. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ, making them complementary in power plant management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in power plant operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Power Plant Operations, candidates typically need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of electrical and thermal systems, and a high school diploma or associate degree, often supplemented by relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for responding to issues and collaborating with team members. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power generation equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in power plant operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Power Plant Operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and responding to unexpected operational issues. Staying current with technological updates and adhering to strict operational procedures are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with maintenance teams, ongoing training, and clear communication help ensure the plant operates smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, developing problem-solving skills and a proactive approach can help operators handle emergencies and minimize downtime.

What is power plant operations?

Power Plant Operations refer to the activities involved in running and maintaining facilities that generate electricity, such as coal, gas, nuclear, or renewable energy plants. Operators monitor equipment, control power-generating machinery, adjust controls to regulate electricity flow, and ensure plants operate safely and efficiently. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety and environmental regulations. The goal is to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of electricity while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operations jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Power Plant Operations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operations jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operations jobs in Reston, VA are:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operations job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,067 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

These positions are located in the Office of the Chief Nuclear Reactor Inspector, R3 Division of Reactor Safety, Operator Licensing Branch in Region III - Naperville, IL.
Selectee may work out of any NRC office location listed. This is not a full-time remote position.
The supervisor is Karla Stoedter.
This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.
This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the basic education requirements as described in the Education section below, and you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: work experience applying any of a variety of relevant professional engineering disciplines (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, structural, chemical) in the industry of commercial or military nuclear power. Such experience must have provided you with the full range of knowledge, skills and abilities identified for what is considered an "Ideal Candidate" for this position.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of nuclear reactor and commercial nuclear power plant engineering. (Examples include: Positions held as a licensed operator, certified operator, or licensed operator trainer which provided you the knowledge and understanding of the principles, theories and practices in commercial nuclear reactor engineering and design).
2. Knowledge of power plant systems, procedures, and integrated facility operations based on reactor operation or inspection experience at operating commercial nuclear reactor facilities. (Examples include: Specific experience and training in the operation and/or testing of nuclear power plants. Experience and training related to integrated facility operations during normal and accident conditions. Identification of current licensed operator qualification, instructor certification or current status of such a qualification).
3. Ability to apply regulations, regulatory guides and industry standards, reactor and operator licensing guidelines and procedures, and reactor operation, inspection and assessment techniques. (Examples include: Specific experience, education, training, and accomplishments demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities in reactor facility and licensed operator regulations. Examples could include specific training and/or experience as a senior reactor operator; reactor operator; or licensed operator instructor; Nuclear Safety Review auditor or inspector, etc.)
4. Knowledge of current NRC rules, regulations, policies, reactor license requirements, and inspection procedures as applied to the normal and accident operation of a commercial nuclear power facility.
5. Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing. (Examples include: Education, training and/or experience that has enabled you to effectively communicate results of analysis and solutions to problems, i.e. those related to the training, testing, evaluation and qualification of commercial nuclear power plant operators and/or the operation of a commercial nuclear power plant facility. Making oral presentations and developing written communications to present technical information to a variety of audiences.)

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education:

Candidates for Federal Government professional engineering positions must meet certain basic professional knowledge requirements. Generally these knowledge requirements are met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, metallurgical, materials, nuclear, structural, chemical, electrical) from a school of engineering with at least one professional engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). However, if you do not possess such a professional engineering degree, you may still satisfy the professional knowledge requirements if you have current Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration in one of the relevant disciplines from any U.S. State or Territory; or if you successfully passed an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) written examination administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners; or if you have either a related professional degree or at least 60 semester hours of specified engineering-related college courses COMBINED WITH at least a year of professional engineering work experience performed under professional engineer supervision and guidance.

Note: Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above).

More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering jobs are described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards Operating Manual which may be accessed at the following Web site:

OPM Qualification Standards for 0800 Professional Engineering Positions
You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Employment Type: OTHER