Nuclear Reactor Operator Jobs
Nuclear Reactor Operator jobs are open across commercial nuclear power plants, naval facilities, and government research installations, from entry-level licensed operator to senior reactor operator and shift supervisor, with specializations in pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors, and control room operations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Description
This role contributes to company objectives in the field of reactor physics and technology. This role is intended for a current or future subject matter expert in the areas of neutron transport, cross section generation, and code development/maintenance in these areas. This role also supports software documentation and validation, user training, and customer interfacing for lattice physics codes (LANCR) and the 3D core simulator (PANAC).
The preferred work location for this role is at the GVH Nuclear headquarters in Wilmington, NC (hybrid work arrangements available), with our Atlanta, GA hub also an option.
This role is within the Nuclear Methods (NM) team, which is responsible for the development, maintenance, analytics, technical consultation, and licensing stewardship of engineering computer codes, correlations, and methodologies related to Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). NM is also responsible for supporting customers with emergent questions in the areas of reactor neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and instrumentation physics and contributes to the nuclear and thermal-hydraulic design of new fuel products.
Essential:
- Programming experience with Fortran and Python.
- Responsible for leading the technical development, accuracy and uncertainty qualification, testing, verification, regulatory licensing, and maintenance of analytical methods required for evaluation of steady-state and transient core/fuel performance of nuclear reactors.
- Work within an approved regulatory framework for nuclear software quality assurance for engineering computer programs.
- Prepare, document and present technical data to internal and external customers.
- Contribute to and lead team process improvements to drive speed and simplification.
- Communicate with internal/external users of the methods through support, documentation, and training.
- Ensure work is performed with high quality in accordance with NRC rules and regulations, customer requirements, and business quality assurance standards.
- Drive a team culture based on teamwork, integrity, candor, transparency, and execution on commitments.
- Effectively communicate and coordinate activities with other team members on engineering/technical issues.
- Assist and provide support to the team technical leader and functional manager to plan, status and execute projects.
- Support the interface with various regulatory agencies (NRC, DOE, etc.) as appropriate.
- Honest and straightforward with a high level of personal integrity.
- Detail oriented and accountable for results.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team.
- Displays a strong drive for continuous improvement.
- Displays an engaging, can-do, optimistic attitude.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical capabilities, problem solving skills, and process skills.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related technical discipline AND minimum of 5 years of experience in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation
OR
- Master’s degree from an accredited university or college in computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related technical discipline AND minimum of 3 years of experience in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation
OR
- Ph.D. from an accredited university or college computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related technical discipline with a thesis in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation AND minimum of 1 year of experience in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation
- Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for work visas, now or in the future, for this position vacancy.
Desired:
- Ph.D. in computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Prior experience with deterministic and stochastic neutron transport (e.g., TGBLA/PANAC or CASMO/SIMULATE), including development of related codes and tools.
- Prior experience with nuclear cross section generation.
- Working knowledge of nuclear reactor core licensing, technical specifications, safety margin bases, code methodology licensing, and related federal regulations.
- Publication of technical articles and/or patent applications.
- Demonstrated ability to make decisions with speed and accuracy based on the best available information.
- Exceptional organization skills.
- Legacy of delivering on commitments; tenacious, with a proven track record of overcoming obstacles; ability to achieve stretch targets.
- Strong external focus; clear and demonstrated understanding of nuclear industry and/or energy industry.
- Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent quality certification.
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.
Additional Information
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $188,600.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October 23, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
Job Description
This role contributes to company objectives in the field of reactor physics and technology. This role is intended for a current or future subject matter expert in the areas of neutron transport, cross section generation, and code development/maintenance in these areas. This role also supports software documentation and validation, user training, and customer interfacing for lattice physics codes (LANCR) and the 3D core simulator (PANAC).
The preferred work location for this role is at the GVH Nuclear headquarters in Wilmington, NC (hybrid work arrangements available), with our Atlanta, GA hub also an option.
This role is within the Nuclear Methods (NM) team, which is responsible for the development, maintenance, analytics, technical consultation, and licensing stewardship of engineering computer codes, correlations, and methodologies related to Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). NM is also responsible for supporting customers with emergent questions in the areas of reactor neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and instrumentation physics and contributes to the nuclear and thermal-hydraulic design of new fuel products.
Essential:
- Programming experience with Fortran and Python.
- Responsible for leading the technical development, accuracy and uncertainty qualification, testing, verification, regulatory licensing, and maintenance of analytical methods required for evaluation of steady-state and transient core/fuel performance of nuclear reactors.
- Work within an approved regulatory framework for nuclear software quality assurance for engineering computer programs.
- Prepare, document and present technical data to internal and external customers.
- Contribute to and lead team process improvements to drive speed and simplification.
- Communicate with internal/external users of the methods through support, documentation, and training.
- Ensure work is performed with high quality in accordance with NRC rules and regulations, customer requirements, and business quality assurance standards.
- Drive a team culture based on teamwork, integrity, candor, transparency, and execution on commitments.
- Effectively communicate and coordinate activities with other team members on engineering/technical issues.
- Assist and provide support to the team technical leader and functional manager to plan, status and execute projects.
- Support the interface with various regulatory agencies (NRC, DOE, etc.) as appropriate.
- Honest and straightforward with a high level of personal integrity.
- Detail oriented and accountable for results.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team.
- Displays a strong drive for continuous improvement.
- Displays an engaging, can-do, optimistic attitude.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical capabilities, problem solving skills, and process skills.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related technical discipline AND minimum of 5 years of experience in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation
OR
- Master’s degree from an accredited university or college in computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related technical discipline AND minimum of 3 years of experience in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation
OR
- Ph.D. from an accredited university or college computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related technical discipline with a thesis in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation AND minimum of 1 year of experience in nuclear methods development/neutron transport/lattice physics/nuclear cross section generation
- Legal authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for work visas, now or in the future, for this position vacancy.
Desired:
- Ph.D. in computer science, computational methods, nuclear engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Prior experience with deterministic and stochastic neutron transport (e.g., TGBLA/PANAC or CASMO/SIMULATE), including development of related codes and tools.
- Prior experience with nuclear cross section generation.
- Working knowledge of nuclear reactor core licensing, technical specifications, safety margin bases, code methodology licensing, and related federal regulations.
- Publication of technical articles and/or patent applications.
- Demonstrated ability to make decisions with speed and accuracy based on the best available information.
- Exceptional organization skills.
- Legacy of delivering on commitments; tenacious, with a proven track record of overcoming obstacles; ability to achieve stretch targets.
- Strong external focus; clear and demonstrated understanding of nuclear industry and/or energy industry.
- Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent quality certification.
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.
Additional Information
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $188,600.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October 23, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
See All 6 Nuclear Reactor Operator Jobs
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Find Nuclear Reactor Operator JobsNuclear Reactor Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nuclear reactor operator jobs.
- Active NRC Senior Reactor Operator or Reactor Operator license for a commercial nuclear facility
- Minimum of two years of licensed control room experience at a commercial nuclear power plant
- Proficiency with plant emergency operating procedures and abnormal operating procedures
- Experience with pressurized water reactor or boiling water reactor systems and safety instrumentation
- Familiarity with 10 CFR Part 50 regulatory requirements and nuclear quality assurance programs
- High school diploma or equivalent required, with an associate or bachelor's degree in nuclear technology preferred
Tips for Your Nuclear Reactor Operator Job Search
List your NRC license prominently
Your Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senior Reactor Operator or Reactor Operator license is the single credential hiring managers scan for first. Put it in your resume header directly beneath your name so it's visible before a recruiter reads a single bullet point.
Tailor your resume to reactor type
Hiring teams at PWR plants often filter out candidates whose experience is exclusively on BWR units and vice versa. Explicitly name the reactor design you've operated and the number of licensed fuel cycles you've completed on that specific platform.
Target outage-season postings strategically
Nuclear plants concentrate hiring in the six months before a scheduled refueling outage. Search for openings between spring and early fall, when operators with outage experience are in the highest demand and competition for licensed candidates peaks.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists nuclear reactor operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for simulator-based technical interviews
Most utility hiring processes include a graded simulator evaluation before an offer is extended. Refresh your emergency operating procedures and practice articulating your thought process during casualty responses out loud, because interviewers score your decision-making narration, not just your actions.
Negotiate your shift differential upfront
Reactor operators work rotating shift schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays. Raise shift-differential rates and schedule rotation frequency during the offer conversation, not after you've accepted, because these terms are rarely revisited once a start date is set.
Nuclear Reactor Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most nuclear reactor operators?
GE Vernova, Michels, and NextEra Energy are hiring the most nuclear reactor operators right now, with openings concentrated in North Carolina, Iowa, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Activity tends to increase at plants approaching a scheduled refueling outage.
How many nuclear reactor operator jobs are remote?
About 33% of nuclear reactor operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most licensed control room duties require physical presence at the plant. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote flexibility include regulatory compliance advisory roles and simulator instructor positions that fall under the broader operator career path.
How do you become a nuclear reactor operator?
You start by earning a high school diploma and applying for an operator trainee position at a nuclear utility, which typically leads to an NRC-approved initial license training program lasting one to two years. You then sit for the NRC written examination and a simulator-based operating test. After passing, you receive your Reactor Operator license, and additional experience qualifies you to test for a Senior Reactor Operator license.
Can you get hired as a nuclear reactor operator with little experience?
Yes, utilities regularly hire operator trainees and non-licensed operators who have no prior reactor experience, particularly candidates with military nuclear training, a degree in nuclear technology, or a background in conventional power generation. These entry points feed directly into formal NRC initial license training programs, so prior nuclear plant experience is a strong advantage but not always a requirement to get your first role.
What does the nuclear reactor operator interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone screen focused on your license status and reactor-type background, followed by an in-person technical interview where you walk through plant systems, emergency operating procedures, and past casualty responses. Most utilities then require a graded simulator evaluation before extending an offer. Background checks, drug screening, and a psychological assessment for unescorted access authorization are standard final steps before a start date is confirmed.
Where can I find and apply to nuclear reactor operator jobs?
You can find and apply to nuclear reactor operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from nuclear utilities and government facilities across the United States. Search for roles that match your license type and reactor experience, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 6 Nuclear Reactor Operator Jobs
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