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Reactor Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Reactor Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive ... Role Summary As Reactor Systems Engineer, you define the arrangement of the primary system and ...

... operating and regulating the nuclear reactors and power plants that drive the most advanced fleet ... Reactor physics * Materials development * Component design such as steam generators, pumps and ...

S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Natrium is ... Operating with broad autonomy, this position exercises independent judgment in resolving complex ...

S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Natrium is ... Operating with broad autonomy, this position exercises independent judgment in resolving complex ...

... operating and regulating the nuclear reactors and power plants that drive the most advanced fleet ... Reactor physics * Materials development * Component design such as steam generators, pumps and ...

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Reactor Operator information

See Washington salary details

$5

$24

$33

How much do reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for reactor operator in Washington is $24.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are reactor operators?

Reactor operators are highly trained professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring nuclear reactors in power plants or research facilities. They ensure the reactor operates safely and efficiently by adjusting controls, monitoring instruments, and following strict safety protocols. Reactor operators respond to abnormal conditions, conduct routine inspections, and are prepared to initiate emergency shutdowns if necessary. Their work is critical for maintaining safe and reliable nuclear energy production.

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

AspectReactor OperatorNuclear Plant Technician
CredentialsReactor Operator license, technical trainingTechnical certifications, plant-specific training
Work EnvironmentControl room, reactor areaEquipment maintenance, monitoring systems
Job FocusOperating reactor systems, safety protocolsMaintaining equipment, troubleshooting
Industry UsagePower plants, nuclear facilitiesPower plants, nuclear facilities

Reactor Operators primarily focus on controlling and monitoring nuclear reactors, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Nuclear Plant Technicians support reactor operations through maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in nuclear power plants, but Reactor Operators have more responsibility for direct reactor control and safety procedures.

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

To thrive as a Reactor Operator, you need a strong understanding of nuclear physics, safety protocols, and operational procedures, often supported by a technical degree and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license. Familiarity with control room instrumentation, simulation software, and radiation monitoring systems is essential. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and strong communication skills help operators effectively manage complex situations and coordinate with team members. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of nuclear reactors.

What are some common challenges Reactor Operators face during shift work, and how can these be managed?

Reactor Operators often work rotating shifts, which can disrupt sleep patterns and affect work-life balance. Managing fatigue, maintaining focus during long periods of monitoring, and staying vigilant during routine and emergency scenarios are key challenges. Operators can address these by following strict handover procedures, practicing effective stress management, and adhering to regulated rest periods. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and other operators are also essential to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Reactor Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Reactor Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Reactor Operator jobs in Washington? For Reactor Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reactor Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Reactor Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Reactor Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Reactor Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Reactor Operator jobs in WA? For Reactor Operator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Reactor Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,963 per year, or $25 per hour.

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 4 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