Nuclear Equipment Operator - Delta, PA
The Nuclear Equipment Operator is an entry-level, on-site position responsible for monitoring, controlling, and operating nuclear reactor and auxiliary systems within a power plant control room. This role involves shift work with rotating day and night shifts, emergency response duties, and participation in the station fire brigade, serving as a foundation for progression to licensed Reactor Operator and Senior Reactor Operator roles.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Energy, Oil & Gas.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Summary
Confidential Client (via Careertakes) is hiring an entry-level Nuclear Equipment Operator for an on-site, full-time role at a nuclear generation facility in Delta, PA. This position includes one year of initial non-licensed operator training, mandatory rotating shift work (day/night), and a career path toward Reactor Operator and Senior Reactor Operator licensing.
What You’ll Do
This role performs essential monitoring, control, and operation of nuclear station equipment in accordance with procedures and NRC license requirements. Typical duties include:
- Start, stop, control and monitor reactor and auxiliary systems as required for safe plant operations
- Start, stop, control and monitor steam turbine, main generator and auxiliary turbine equipment
- Operate pumps, valves, switchgear and other system components; perform tests and adjustments
- Monitor recorders, indicators and perform required calculations per procedure
- Respond to plant indicators and alarms, and initiate procedure-driven actions
- Perform shift turnovers, maintain logs and follow administrative procedures
- Participate in emergency plan implementation and station fire brigade activities (may serve as leader)
- Initiate corrective actions and procedure change requests when needed
- Support refueling activities as required and operate station communications equipment
Why This Role Matters
This entry-level operator position is the foundational step toward licensed plant operator roles. Selected candidates will complete a structured training class and then assume shift responsibilities — an excellent path for people who want a long-term, technical career in nuclear operations.
Compensation & Schedule
- Starting pay: $48.51 per hour (hourly)
- Estimated annual pay (for full-time, 40 hrs/wk): approx. $100k (varies with shift premiums/OT)
- Class start: March 2027
- Shift schedule: rotating day and night shifts (mandatory)
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED AND one of the following:
- 2 years of non-generating nuclear power facility experience (e.g., Navy nuclear training/experience or DOE facility experience), OR
- Bachelor of Science in engineering, engineering technology, or a related science, OR
- 43 post-secondary credit hours with 75% (at least 8 courses or 32 hours) in advanced math, physics, chemistry and/or engineering/engineering technology, OR
- 1 year power plant experience (work in fossil- or nuclear-fueled electric power production during preoperational, startup testing or operations; or related petrochemical/process/steam propulsion experience)
Applicants should be prepared for a physically demanding, safety-focused environment and be willing to participate in required training and certifications. This is an on-site role.
Preferred Attributes
- Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to procedural detail
- Comfortable with shift work and rotating schedules
- Good written and verbal communication for shift turnovers and log maintenance
- Commitment to safety culture and following NRC-regulated procedures
- Interest in progressing into licensed operator training (RO/SRO)
Total Rewards
Confidential Client offers a competitive benefits package, which may include (where eligible): bonus programs, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase programs, comprehensive medical/dental/vision plans, disability and life insurance, paid time off, and employee wellbeing resources.
Candidate Encouragement
Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome. Candidates who are military-affiliated (veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard/Reserve, military spouses and caregivers) are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range