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Senior Reactor Operator Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Lincoln, DE

$93K - $111K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Dover, DE

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Wilmington, DE

$95K - $114K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Bridgeville, DE

$88K - $106K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Camden, DE

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Cheswold, DE

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Arden, DE

$95K - $114K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Laurel, DE

$91K - $109K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Clayton, DE

$86K - $103K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Claymont, DE

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Delmar, DE

$95K - $114K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Greenville, DE

$95K - $114K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Bellefonte, DE

$95K - $114K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Newport, DE

$95K - $114K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Middletown, DE

$92K - $111K/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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Showing results 1-20

Senior Reactor Operator information

See Delaware salary details

$25K

$80.4K

$163.6K

How much do senior reactor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior reactor operator in Delaware is $80,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the senior reactor operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Reactor Operator, candidates typically need a strong background in nuclear engineering or a related discipline, hands-on operational experience in nuclear facilities, and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Senior Reactor Operator license. Familiarity with reactor control systems, plant monitoring software, emergency procedures, and simulation training platforms is essential. Excellent decision-making, communication, and leadership skills help operators coordinate effectively and respond to high-pressure situations. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of nuclear reactors.

What is a senior reactor operator?

A Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) is responsible for overseeing the operation of a nuclear reactor, ensuring safety, compliance with regulations, and efficiency in plant operations. They supervise reactor operators, coordinate responses to abnormal conditions, and make critical decisions to maintain safe reactor conditions. SROs must be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and undergo extensive training. Their role is crucial in maintaining nuclear plant safety and reliability.

How much do senior reactor operators make?

Senior reactor operators typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific nuclear facility. They are responsible for operating and monitoring nuclear reactors, often requiring certification and extensive training.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a senior reactor operator?

A Senior Reactor Operator oversees the operation of the nuclear reactor and associated plant systems, ensuring they run safely and efficiently in accordance with strict regulatory standards. This includes monitoring reactor conditions, directing team members during routine operations, conducting safety checks, and responding to operational anomalies or alarms. Senior Reactor Operators also supervise and mentor junior operators, participate in drills and emergency preparedness activities, and maintain detailed operation logs. The role requires continuous vigilance and teamwork to uphold the highest standards of plant safety and performance.

How hard is it to become a senior reactor operator?

Becoming a senior reactor operator requires extensive experience as a licensed reactor operator, typically involving several years of work in nuclear power plants, along with passing rigorous training and certification exams. Candidates must demonstrate strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of plant operations and safety protocols. The process is highly competitive and demanding due to the critical nature of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware? For Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Senior Reactor Operator jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Senior Reactor Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Reactor Operator job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,356 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

This is a senior level mechanical engineering position that will provide you with a variety of interesting and challenging responsibilities.

We are looking for candidates with experience in the analysis, design, and licensing requirements of mechanical and nuclear systems and components for nuclear power plants.

You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:

  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • System and Component Performance specifications
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience: 

  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the power industry.
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$84,762 - $129,498
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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