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Senior Reactor Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Reactor Operator in Training

Perry, OH

Job Summary Responsible for successful completion of the training program in order to obtain a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the site-specific ...

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Senior Reactor Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$23.8K

$76.3K

$155.4K

How much do senior reactor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior reactor operator in Ohio is $76,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $97,900.00 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.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Senior Reactor Operators typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually, with most compensation ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Achieving a $500,000 salary in this field would generally require additional responsibilities, senior management roles, or specialized expertise, which are less common for entry- or mid-level positions.

What is a Senior Reactor Operator job?

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.

What is the highest paying job at a nuclear power plant?

The highest paying job at a nuclear power plant is typically the Plant Manager or Nuclear Operations Manager, who oversees plant safety, operations, and compliance. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries. Senior Reactor Operators and Radiation Protection Managers also earn high wages due to their specialized expertise and responsibilities.

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.

What does a senior reactor operator do?

A senior reactor operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring nuclear reactor operations to ensure safety and efficiency. They interpret technical data, execute operational procedures, and coordinate with other plant personnel, often holding certification and working in shifts within a nuclear power plant environment.

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, passing rigorous exams, and obtaining specific certifications from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Candidates must demonstrate strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to handle complex operational situations under strict safety protocols.
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Senior Reactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Reactor Operator job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,329 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Sr. Reactor Operator - In Training

Vistra Energy

Oak Harbor, OH

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Vistra rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

If you have what it takes to become part of the Vistra family and would like to start a promising career with a global leader, take a look at the exciting employment opportunities that are currently available and apply online.

Job Summary

The Sr. Reactor Operator - In Training must complete Initial License Training class at Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, in Oak Harbor, Ohio. Upon completion of training, the successful candidate will obtain and maintain a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license. As an SRO, you will be responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Davis-Besse nuclear reactor, as well as protecting the health and safety of the public and the environment. This responsibility includes working a rotating shift schedule (midnights, days and afternoons) that covers operations 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
Job Summary while in training to obtain an NRC License
The initial license trainee will engage in a combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and on-the-job experience, to acquire the essential skill and knowledge to meet the qualification for a Senior Reactor Operator License holder. Upon completion of the following, the candidate will be fully licensed by the NRC to supervise the operations of the reactor control room:
Completion of Systems Phase
Completion of Simulator Integrated Plant Operations Phase
Completion of Simulator Casualties Phase
Completion of required in field time
Completion of required qualification cards
Passing the NRC license Exam
Job Summary as a Senior Reactor Operator
Provide direct oversight of Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station operations including directing Reactor Operators in controlling plant operations, Equipment Operators in field operations, procedure use and tagging evolutions

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

  • Authorize maintenance and testing activities to ensure equipment status is maintained.
  • Responsible for implementing Emergency Operating procedures and directing the required procedural steps to stabilize the plant following emergency or abnormal conditions.
  • Evaluate and respond to issues, findings, open items, and requests originating internally and externally from the organization.
  • Oversee special projects determined by the Operations Director/Operations Managers.
  • Responsible for creating, revising, and reviewing Emergency Operating Procedures and Abnormal Operating Procedures to support safe, efficient, cost-effective operation of the Nuclear Generating Station Units.
  • Responsible for reviewing design and license changes for procedure impact, performing 10CFR50.59 applicability reviews and Station Qualified Reviewer (SQR) reviews, and supporting outages and various special projects.
  • Review system documentation including P&ID and design descriptions.
  • Provide operability review for systems specifically during off-normal conditions.
  • Assist in developing refueling sequences and ensure systems can accommodate shutdown and refueling operations.
  • Directing operating shift personnel in the performance of plant dutiesincluding standing watch on rotating 12-hour shifts and coordinating and directing the operation of the nuclear power plant's systems. Shift work, continuous training with periodic examinations, and respirator qualification are all requirements of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • And must meet at least one or more of the following:
    • 1 year Reactor Operator or Senior Reactor Operator license at a B&W PWR or 1.5 years at a Non- B&W PWR or a BWR.
    • 1.5 years or more in a position equivalent to Reactor Operator (or Supervisor) at military reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Officer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor). Must have 1.5 years after qualification.
    • Bachelor's degree (BS) or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology or physical sciences, or professional engineer license, and more than 1.5 years as a qualified non-licensed operator or a supervisor or manager in work control, operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or accredited training at a comparable (BWR or PWR) facility. Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at non-comparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for non-comparable facility), and 3 years required for a nontraditional degree.

Job Family

Plant Operations

Company

Vistra Nuclear Operations Company

Locations

Oak Harbor, OhioOhio
We are a company of people committed to: Exceeding Customer Expectations, Great People, Teamwork, Competitive Spirit and Effective Communication. If this describes you, then apply today!
If you currently work for Vistra or its subsidiaries, please apply via the internal career site.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all employment laws and to afford equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment, including in selection for job opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, protected veteran status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance submitting an application or would like to request an accommodation, please email usatassistance@vistraenergy.comtomake a request.

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