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Reactor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reactor Operations Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

As our Reactor Operations Engineer , you will provide operational insights and guidance to design engineers to ensure the development of reactor technologies employ operational principals. This ...

Senior Engineer, Reactor Vessel

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Job Summary The Reactor Vessel System team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly ...

Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) * Location : Oswego NY, Lusby MD, Dresden IL. * Benefits : Company offers a benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, life, Short- and Long-Term ...

Reactor Services Planner

Verona, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Mazon, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Senior Engineer, Reactor Vessel

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Job Summary The Reactor Vessel System team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly ...

Reactor Services Planner

Oglesby, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Wedron, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Sheridan, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Morris, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Steedman, MO · On-site

$105K - $162K/yr

Direct Reactor Operators in the control room performing procedures to maneuver and operate the plant. * Supervise Operations Technicians in the field performing local system operations and testing.

Reactor Services Planner

Streator, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Minooka, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Reactor Services Planner

Wedron, IL · On-site

$117K - $131K/yr

Reactor Services Planner Scheduler Reactor Services at LaSalle Nuclear Power Station in Marseilles, Illinois is looking for an exceptional Reactor Services Planner Scheduler to join their team. This ...

Showing results 41-60

Reactor information

See salary details

$13

$35

$85

How much do reactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for reactor in the United States is $35.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reactor?

In the context of jobs, a 'Reactor' typically refers to a professional who operates and monitors nuclear reactors in power plants or research facilities. Their responsibilities include controlling reactor systems, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and responding to any operational anomalies. Reactor operators must be highly trained and licensed, as their work involves managing nuclear materials and protecting both people and the environment. They work closely with engineers and other technical staff to maintain efficient and safe reactor operations.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Operator, you need a strong understanding of nuclear physics, engineering principles, and operational protocols, typically requiring a high school diploma or associate degree and completion of specialized training programs. Familiarity with reactor control systems, safety monitoring equipment, and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) operator license are essential technical qualifications. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear reactors.

What are some common challenges faced by reactor operators during daily operations?

Reactor operators frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols while managing complex control systems. They must be vigilant to detect and respond quickly to abnormal readings or alarms, which requires strong attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Additionally, operators often work in shifts and within tightly regulated environments, which can be physically and mentally demanding. Teamwork and clear communication with engineers and other operators are crucial to ensure safe and efficient reactor performance.

What is the difference between Reactor vs Technician?

AspectReactorTechnician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or nuclear technology, along with specialized reactor operation certificationsUsually needs technical diploma or associate degree, with specific technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in nuclear power plants or research reactors, following strict safety protocolsWorks in maintenance, troubleshooting, and support roles within industrial or nuclear facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by nuclear power plants, research institutions, and energy companiesEmployed across various industries including energy, manufacturing, and maintenance services

The main difference between a Reactor and a Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. Reactors are specialized operators managing nuclear systems, requiring advanced certifications and working in high-security environments. Technicians support these operations through maintenance and technical support, often with less advanced credentials. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry, but they differ in scope, training, and daily tasks.

How much do reactor operators get paid?

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 adherence to strict safety protocols, with some positions offering additional shift differentials or overtime pay.

How to get a job at a nuclear reactor?

To work as a reactor operator or technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training and certification from a recognized authority such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Relevant skills include understanding nuclear physics, safety procedures, and operating control systems, often gained through an accredited training program or technical college. Prior experience in industrial or technical environments can also be beneficial.
More about Reactor jobs

What states have the most Reactor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Reactor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Reactor jobs?

For Reactor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Reactor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,007 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Reactor Operations Engineer

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

BWX Technologies, Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.

If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.

Position Overview:

As our Reactor Operations Engineer, you will provide operational insights and guidance to design engineers to ensure the development of reactor technologies employ operational principals. This position will participate in development of reactor plant operating strategies, concepts, and procedures, and will be deeply embedded with all aspects of reactor design and development activities to ensure systems integration and functionality meet the requirements for safe, efficient, and reliable operations. This role will also provide support to terrestrial, maritime, microreactor, and space reactor projects.

Location:

On-site in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office

Your Day to Day as an Reactor Operations Engineer:

  • Lead the development and implementation of reactor operating strategies.
  • Lead the development of the reactor concept of operations to describe the use of the system from the perspective of the reactor operator, encompassing all modes of operation.
  • Lead the preparation of reactor operating procedures, including normal and off-normal conditions and events, surveillance procedures, alarm response procedures, etc.
  • Lead the development and preparation of nuclear operations and engineering training materials.
  • Integrate and coordinate across disciplines to implement operating approaches for safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
  • Support reactor simulator development, to include interfacing with multiple organizations and contractors, aggregating design data, and developing scenarios for evaluations.
  • Support development of control algorithms for semi-autonomous and/or manual operations.
  • Support the evaluation of integrated plant response to various events, accidents, and malfunctions.
  • Support the design of plant control and monitoring interfaces, including the Human Machine Interface in the control room as well as other operator interfaces.
  • Develop operations training material for internal and external customer use.
  • Collaborate with designers for optimized maintainability of the systems.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide feedback from an operations and maintenance perspective.

Required Qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or physics is required.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of experience in nuclear operations or engineering is required; on-the-job training in nuclear operations does not count toward the experience requirement.
  • Must be familiar with the interrelationships and dependencies of reactor systems, encompassing nuclear, mechanical, I&C and electrical systems - and their response as an integrated power plant system.
  • Must be familiar with the operation and maintenance of reactor equipment.
  • Must have demonstrated ability to collaborate through influence within matrixed organizations.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • SRO or RO license from a civilian nuclear power plant, or EWS/EOOW qualification from the U.S. Navy.
  • Prior experience with the development and implementation of control schemes for nuclear plant operations in normal and off-normal conditions.
  • Nuclear Operations Training experience.
  • Nuclear Reactor Simulator Design and maintenance experience.
  • Familiarity with high temperature gas reactor technologies.
  • Experience in the design of fluid systems.
  • Experience in the design of I&C systems.
  • Experience in the design of electrical systems.
  • Experience working with U.S. Government customer (e.g., DOD, DOE, NASA).

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $86,000.00 - $157,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $86,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.


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