Reactor Operator

About the role

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring Advanced Reactor Operators to work at the Materials & Fuels Complex (MFC). This position is located at the Materials and Fuels Complex and involves a 4x10 shift with every Friday off, plus variable rotating shifts during reactor testing.

MFC hosts a unique combination of personnel, facilities, and infrastructure, offering the ability to perform research and development of nuclear fuels from fuel design and fabrication through post-irradiation analysis. INL is recognized as the lead national laboratory for DOE-NE, providing nuclear research, development, and demonstration capability to advance nuclear innovation.

Responsibilities

• Operate and perform some maintenance on facility equipment and systems, including overhead handling systems, remote handling equipment, shielded casks, facility utilities, operational support systems, gloveboxes, and testing equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of facility operation, equipment performance, production, treatment, and experimental data in logbooks, log-sheets, or other data packages following facility programs and administrative procedures.
• Review and provide operational input to proposed procedures, procedural revisions, and proposed modifications to facility equipment/systems as requested.
• Apply standard procedures for assigned tasks and known processes, such as experiments requiring minor modification and operating test equipment.
• Understand and recognize the use of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools in self and others, including knowledge of how and when to apply tools to specific work tasks.

Requirements

• Must be willing to work shift work during reactor testing.
• Relevant experience working in an industrial or commercial environment demonstrating strong mechanical aptitude, hand-eye coordination, electrical, skilled trades, or scientific application.
• Candidates selected for interview must demonstrate the capability to successfully pass technical written exams and/or have successfully completed college-level or high school advanced placement math and science courses.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

Level 2:

• High school diploma or equivalent with 6+ years of relevant experience, or
• Associate degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or
• ESTEC graduate with 0 years of relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with 0 years of relevant experience.

Level 3:

• High school diploma or equivalent with 8+ years of relevant experience, or
• Associate degree or ESTEC graduate with 4+ years of relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Level 4:

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience, or
• Associate degree or ESTEC graduate with 6+ years of relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Reactor experience.
• Engineering degree.
• Nuclear Navy experience (MM, EM, ET).

Pay

• Level 2: $30.84 - $50.87 per hour.
• Level 3: $36.08 - $59.52 per hour.
• Level 4: $41.42 - $70.41 per hour.

Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Schedule

4x10 shift with every Friday off, plus variable rotating shifts during reactor testing.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions).
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions).
• Comprehensive relocation package.

Benefit eligibility is subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in confined spaces.
• Requires hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding, handling materials, manipulating tools, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Must operate job-related equipment and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions.

About Us

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With over 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, INL collaborates with national and international governments, universities, and industry partners to change the world’s energy future and secure critical infrastructure.

Mission: Discover, demonstrate, and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options, and critical infrastructure.

Vision: Change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.