How to hire a nuclear operator

How to hire a nuclear operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step nuclear operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a nuclear operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new nuclear operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the nuclear operator you need to hire. Certain nuclear operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a nuclear operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a nuclear operator that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of nuclear operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Nuclear Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Nuclear Operator	Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.	$15-38
   Utility Operator	Utility Operators are skilled employees who work with different machines, fixtures, and equipment. They operate a number of machines related to the maintenance of office facilities... Show more	$13-24
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Electrical Equipment
   • Prototype
   • Electrical Systems
   • Radiological
   • Test Equipment
   • Naval Nuclear
   • Nuclear Power
   • Propulsion Plant
   • Nuclear Physics
   • Nuclear Reactor
   • Plant Equipment
   • Water Chemistry
   • Plant Operations
   • Mechanical Systems

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and direct the development of the sector AOP and of proper controls to ensure program/project spending meets sector expectations.
   • Used schematics, wiring diagrams, and specialize test equipment to troubleshoot and locate faults down to the component level.
   • Serve as ship's HVAC technician for (4) 150 ton marine A/C units for 3 years.
   • Serve in engineering department on fast attack submarine USS Omaha
   • Train in QA methods and procedures to perform maintenance.
   • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the reactor and all associate reactor protection circuitry.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your nuclear operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A nuclear operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, nuclear operators' average salary in colorado is 36% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level nuclear operators earn 59% less than senior-level nuclear operators.
   • Certifications. A nuclear operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a nuclear operator's salary.

   Average nuclear operator salary

   $51,893yearly

   $24.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level nuclear operator salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 10, 2025

4. Writing a nuclear operator job description

   A nuclear operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a nuclear operator job description:

   Nuclear operator job description example

   RESPONSIBILITIES

   There are three types of Nuclear Operations jobs for enlisted Sailors. Responsibilities depend on your training, interests and designation. All three of these ratings are eligible to receive up to a $40,000 bonus for first-time enlistment and up to a $100,000 bonus for re-enlistment.

   Machinist's Mate Nuclear (MMN)

   Nuclear Machinist's Mates operate and maintain steam turbines and reduction gears used for nuclear ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery such as turbogenerators, pumps and oil purifiers. They also maintain auxiliary machinery outside of main machinery spaces, such as electrohydraulic steering engines and elevators, refrigeration plants, air conditioning systems and desalinization plants. They may also operate and maintain compressed gas producing plants. Nuclear-trained MMs perform duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control, propulsion and power generation systems. This job is perfect for Sailors with deep interest in math, chemistry, physics and engineering-in other words, it takes hard work and smarts to get you into the reactor room.

   Electrician's Mate Nuclear (EMN)

   Nuclear Electrician's Mates are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. They also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment. As an EMN, you're responsible for troubleshooting the electric breakers and circuits aboard nuclear-powered ships like aircraft carriers and submarines.

   Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN)

   Nuclear Electronics Technicians operate and perform maintenance on the electronic systems that make the nuclear reactor on Navy ships run. From submarines to aircraft carriers, these Sailors calibrate the actual nuclear control rods to generate power aboard these ships. After your training at Nuclear Power & Prototype School, you'll be part of a watch team that enables the fission process, which generates steam for propulsion. Few can say they get hands-on experience in a nuclear power plant just three years out of high school-you're one of them.

   Learn more about submarine service, or life on a ship.

   WORK ENVIRONMENT

   As an Enlisted Sailor working in nuclear operations, you'll have the opportunity to work at sea or ashore. Your assignment could also place you in an intense, fast-paced environment aboard a nuclear-powered submarine or aircraft carrier.

   TRAINING & ADVANCEMENTNAVY NUCLEAR FIELD (NF) PROGRAM

   Upon completion of initial 7-9 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Nuclear Operations role report to “A” School for technical training based on their specific job rating, and then move on to acquire advanced nuclear training.

   “A” School for MMNs - The three-month Machinist's Mate Nuclear (MMN) course in Charleston, SC provides a basic knowledge of technical mathematics and understanding of the theory and operation of a steam power plant. Students learn to operate tools, test equipment and system components, read blueprints, practice rigging techniques, and perform maintenance procedures. From there, it's on to NNPS and NPTU (see below).

   “A” School for EMNs - The six-month Electrician's Mate Nuclear (EMN) course in Charleston, SC provides a basic knowledge of technical mathematics and power distribution. Students learn to solve basic equations using phasors, vector notations and basic trigonometry and analyze DC and AC circuits. They also learn how to operate electrical equipment using controllers, and how to properly test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical circuits, motors and other related electrical equipment. From there, it's on to NNPS and NPTU (see description below).

   “A” School for ETNs - The six-month Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN) course in Charleston, SC provides a basic knowledge of technical mathematics and a good working knowledge of electricity and electronics, solid-state devices, digital logic and systems, microprocessors, and instrumentation and control circuits. Students learn how to interpret schematic diagrams and use appropriate test equipment to isolate and correct faults in electronic systems. From there, it's on to NNPS and NPTU (see description below).

   Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) - Upon completion of “A” School training, MMNs, EMNs and ETNs attend Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in Charleston, SC. Here they learn theory and practical application of nuclear physics and reactor engineering. The six-month course provides a comprehensive understanding of a pressurized-water Naval nuclear power plant, including reactor core nuclear principles, heat transfer and fluid systems, plant chemistry and materials, mechanical and electrical systems, and radiological control.

   Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) - Following NNPS, MMNs, EMNs and ETNs begin prototype training in their rating specialty at one of two Nuclear Power Training Units (NPTUs) - located in Charleston, SC and Ballston Spa, NY. This six-month course teaches the fundamentals of a Naval nuclear power plant and the interrelationship of its mechanical, electrical, and reactor subsystems. Students develop oral communications skills, obtain an understanding of nuclear radiation, and gain knowledge of the safe operation of a complex Naval nuclear power plant.

   For all nuclear power trained ratings , promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It's also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

   EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

   Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of nuclear operations can translate to up to 77 credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:

   1. Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
   2. Post-9/11 GI Bill

   QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

   A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the nuclear operations field in the Navy. Those seeking one of these positions must be US citizens with successful completion of one year of Algebra, and who can meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance.

   General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you're currently serving, whether you've served before or whether you've never served before.

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5. Post your job

   To find nuclear operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any nuclear operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level nuclear operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your nuclear operator job on Zippia to find and recruit nuclear operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting nuclear operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new nuclear operator

   Once you've found the nuclear operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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