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Reactor Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Dunkirk, MD

$97K - $117K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Damascus, MD

$104K - $124K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Scaggsville, MD

$96K - $115K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Darnestown, MD

$98K - $117K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cheverly, MD

$98K - $118K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cloverly, MD

$96K - $116K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Montclair, VA

$99K - $118K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Oakton, VA

$99K - $119K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Elkridge, MD

$97K - $116K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Vienna, VA

$98K - $118K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Pasadena, MD

$100K - $119K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Severn, MD

$109K - $131K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Merrifield, VA

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Occoquan, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Germantown, MD

$99K - $119K/yr

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ...

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All JobsReactor Operator JobsReactor Operator Jobs in Washington

Reactor Operator information

See Washington salary details

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How much do reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 is a reactor operator?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reactor operator?

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 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.

How do you become a reactor operator?

To become a reactor operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training and on-the-job experience in nuclear power plants. Many states require passing licensing exams from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and obtaining a reactor operator license, which involves meeting experience requirements and demonstrating knowledge of nuclear plant operations.

How much money do reactor operators make?

Reactor operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and the specific facility. They often require specialized training, certifications, and work in shifts within nuclear power plants or research reactors.

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:

Reactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reactor Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,963 per year, or $25 per hour.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
Designs and analyzes the instrumentation and control (I&C) systems for the reactor and ship plant, sensors, control logic, protection systems, and operator interfaces. Uses the engineering simulator to develop, test, and validate control strategies and system response.
What you'll do
  • Design and analyze I&C systems, considering control logic, reactor protection, and human-machine interfaces.
  • Develop and validate control strategies and system response using the engineering simulator, tuning logic and verifying behavior across normal and transient conditions.
  • Define I&C requirements, set points, and instrument specifications, and establish interfaces with plant systems.
  • Support failure modes, reliability, and safety analyses for control and protection functions.
  • Document I&C designs, simulator validation results, and as-built configurations, and support design reviews and integration testing.

What you bring
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, nuclear, or systems engineering required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Experience designing or analyzing instrumentation and control systems, preferably for nuclear or other safety-critical plants.
  • Familiarity with control system modeling and engineering simulators for design validation.
  • Working knowledge of reactor protection systems, sensors, and control architectures.
  • Strong grounding in control theory and signal processing.

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.

Apply