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Senior Reactor Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$72.9K

$148.4K

How much do senior reactor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior reactor operator in Tennessee is $72,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $93,500.00 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.
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Senior Reactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Reactor Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,870 per year, or $35 per hour.

Sr. Test Engineer

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Harriman, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
Longenecker & Associates (L&A), a Geosyntec Company, is a trusted partner enabling critical missions across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex for more than 30 years. We contribute to DOE's nuclear security and environmental remediation enterprise by providing the highest-caliber staff and experts. We are seeking a motivated Sr. Test Engineer to contribute to our mission supporting our work at APMO in Oak Ridge, TN.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Test/Operations Engineer will perform a broad range of activities to support the overall Y-12 APMO Operations and Security oversight efforts within the specialized areas of testing, mechanical/chemical processes, commissioning and readiness of nuclear facilities. The functions and expertise provided by the Senior Test/Operations Engineer ensures APMO's ability to understand and monitor the implementation of the M&O Contractor's testing program leading to readiness and commissioning of the facility. This understanding allows for compliance-based and performance-based perspectives in determining the adequacy of the Contractor's testing, commissioning and readiness program requirements and the effectiveness of implementation in these areas.
The contractor shall be a member of the Y-12 APMO Operations and Security Staff operating under the general guidance of the Y-12 APMO Operations and Security Division Director which may include support to other areas outside of testing/commissioning.
  • Work under limited management direction;
  • Serve as Y-12 APMO's subject matter expert on testing of mechanical, piping/process systems, gloveboxes, electrical systems and HVAC systems;
  • Serve as Y-12 APMO's subject matter expert on commissioning and readiness of nuclear facilities (i.e. DOE O 425.1 D or NRC CFR requirements);
  • Review and evaluate the contractor's implementation of the testing program (to include field testing), technical products, and records to ensure they contain and conform to appropriate quality requirements and are technically accurate and complete for their intended purpose;
  • Provide technical guidance, responses, and support for chemical processes, mechanical engineering, electrical systems, piping/process systems, gloveboxes, compressed air, HVAC, testing related questions, and issues presented by management and internal staff;
  • Plan and perform assessments as directed by management;
  • Reviews progress, evaluates results, and recommends changes to processes and procedures;
  • Determine and pursue courses of action necessary to obtain desired results;
  • These assignments may include frequent interface with the M&O Contractors and oversight activities during normal and outside of normal working hours,
  • Provide support and oversight of other areas within the Y-12 APMO Operations and Security purview, as requested; and
  • Produce high quality written assessment reports with minimal to no revisions.

Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college in Engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) with at least 4 years of relevant experience is required; or current Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration in one of the relevant disciplines from any U.S. State and/or Territory, past Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) certification/license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in accordance with 10 CFR Part 55 is considered equivalent.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • Minimum 10 years' experience in engineering or nuclear operations related position, preferably test/system/operations engineer (including minimum of 2 years in a supervisory/leadership position) at a DOE/NRC regulated facility. (required)
  • Demonstrated experience as a test/operations engineer or nuclear operations at a major commercial, industrial, or nuclear facility with a strong background in process and facility related systems (i.e. HVAC, Compressed Air, electrical, chemical processes, etc.).
  • Demonstrated experience in the commissioning, restart or readiness activities of nuclear facilities (i.e. DOE O 425.1 D or NRC CFR requirements).
  • Demonstrated experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of facility related process and mechanical/electrical systems.
  • In-depth knowledge of principles and practices related to testing, process systems, mechanical engineering/design, glovebox design/operation, HVAC systems, electrical systems, piping systems, and commissioning of nuclear facilities regulated by DOE/NRC.
  • Background with process system design and operation, including piping and instrument diagrams and equipment data sheets, that incorporate the applicable design requirements, including nuclear safety requirements.
  • Knowledge of instrumentation and distributed control systems is desired.
  • Individuals must be able to read and understand prints and process piping diagrams.
  • Experience with commercial nuclear plant or nuclear facility test programs (to include component, system and/or integrated testing) regulated by DOE/NRC.
  • Experience with evaluation and resolution of mechanical engineering related project and code issues (e.g. ASME/ANSI/IBC).
  • Prior experience with NQA-1 requirements.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience preparing and presenting reports, including assessments.
  • Due to federal contract security requirements, candidates must be able to successfully pass a federal background investigation to secure and maintain DOE Q security clearance. (required)
  • Due to federal contract security requirements, this position requires U.S. Citizenship. (required)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
  • Ensures assigned work is performed in accordance with Y-12 APMO requirements.

Please note that marijuana remains a Schedule III controlled substance under Federal Law. Federal contractors must follow Federal drug-free workplace rules, which prohibit marijuana use, even if medical or recreational use is permitted under State Law.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & LOCATION DETAILS:
  • Experience as a senior system/test/operations engineer at nuclear facilities or commercial nuclear plants.
  • Experience as a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO).
  • Experience and knowledge of Bechtel National, Inc. (BNI) procedures, programs, and processes.
  • Experience leading complex projects and large-scale projects.
  • Experience supporting or leading Operational Readiness Reviews (ORR's) or Operational Readiness Assessment Teams (ORAT'S).
  • Role is an onsite position in Oak Ridge, TN.

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