1

Senior Reactor Operator Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Examples could include specific training and/or experience as a senior reactor operator; reactor operator; or licensed operator instructor; Nuclear Safety Review auditor or inspector, etc.) 4. ...

New

Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) * Data center Critical Facility Engineer Preferred Qualifications * Experience performing electrical, mechanical, and control system operations ...

Reactor Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive ... At more senior levels you will additionally: * Lead trade studies that balance arrangement ...

... standard operating procedures (SOPs); performing malfunction and incident investigations; and ... Energetics reaction chemistry, including batch and continuous reactor configurations * Bench-scale ...

Senior Reactor Operator information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$26.1K

$83.9K

$170.8K

How much do senior reactor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior reactor operator in Springfield, VA is $83,862.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $107,600.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Springfield, VA? For Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Senior Reactor Operator jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Senior Reactor Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Reactor Operator job openings in Springfield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,862 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

These positions are located in the Office of the Chief Nuclear Reactor Inspector, R3 Division of Reactor Safety, Operator Licensing Branch in Region III - Naperville, IL.
Selectee may work out of any NRC office location listed. This is not a full-time remote position.
The supervisor is Karla Stoedter.
This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.
This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the basic education requirements as described in the Education section below, and you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: work experience applying any of a variety of relevant professional engineering disciplines (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, structural, chemical) in the industry of commercial or military nuclear power. Such experience must have provided you with the full range of knowledge, skills and abilities identified for what is considered an "Ideal Candidate" for this position.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of nuclear reactor and commercial nuclear power plant engineering. (Examples include: Positions held as a licensed operator, certified operator, or licensed operator trainer which provided you the knowledge and understanding of the principles, theories and practices in commercial nuclear reactor engineering and design).
2. Knowledge of power plant systems, procedures, and integrated facility operations based on reactor operation or inspection experience at operating commercial nuclear reactor facilities. (Examples include: Specific experience and training in the operation and/or testing of nuclear power plants. Experience and training related to integrated facility operations during normal and accident conditions. Identification of current licensed operator qualification, instructor certification or current status of such a qualification).
3. Ability to apply regulations, regulatory guides and industry standards, reactor and operator licensing guidelines and procedures, and reactor operation, inspection and assessment techniques. (Examples include: Specific experience, education, training, and accomplishments demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities in reactor facility and licensed operator regulations. Examples could include specific training and/or experience as a senior reactor operator; reactor operator; or licensed operator instructor; Nuclear Safety Review auditor or inspector, etc.)
4. Knowledge of current NRC rules, regulations, policies, reactor license requirements, and inspection procedures as applied to the normal and accident operation of a commercial nuclear power facility.
5. Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing. (Examples include: Education, training and/or experience that has enabled you to effectively communicate results of analysis and solutions to problems, i.e. those related to the training, testing, evaluation and qualification of commercial nuclear power plant operators and/or the operation of a commercial nuclear power plant facility. Making oral presentations and developing written communications to present technical information to a variety of audiences.)

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education:

Candidates for Federal Government professional engineering positions must meet certain basic professional knowledge requirements. Generally these knowledge requirements are met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, metallurgical, materials, nuclear, structural, chemical, electrical) from a school of engineering with at least one professional engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). However, if you do not possess such a professional engineering degree, you may still satisfy the professional knowledge requirements if you have current Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration in one of the relevant disciplines from any U.S. State or Territory; or if you successfully passed an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) written examination administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners; or if you have either a related professional degree or at least 60 semester hours of specified engineering-related college courses COMBINED WITH at least a year of professional engineering work experience performed under professional engineer supervision and guidance.

Note: Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above).

More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering jobs are described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards Operating Manual which may be accessed at the following Web site:

OPM Qualification Standards for 0800 Professional Engineering Positions
You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Employment Type: OTHER