What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nuclear Reactor Operator position at Ecotal?
Reactor Operator
Location: Bryan, TX | Full-Time | On-Site
We are supporting a fast-growing nuclear energy company seeking an experienced Reactor Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and safe operation of their advanced test reactor. This is a hands-on, ground-floor opportunity to help establish operational standards for a fleet of reactors that will be deployed globally. You will work with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, instrumentation & control specialists, and plant staff to ensure reactor operations are safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance with approved procedures and technical specifications
- Execute fueling operations, including fuel handling, loading, core management, and radiological controls
- Perform and document routine surveillances, plant walkdowns, and equipment checks to ensure systems remain within operational limits
- Respond to abnormal and emergency plant conditions; execute abnormal and emergency operating procedures as required
- Support development, review, and validation of plant operating procedures
- Maintain rigorous configuration control and documentation in line with nuclear quality assurance standards
- Participate in training, simulator exercises, and qualification programs; mentor junior operators as applicable
- Interface with regulatory authorities; support inspections, audits, and licensing activities
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- 2 years of hands-on reactor operations experience, including licensed or certified operator duties
- Experience with pressurized water reactors (PWR) or pool-type reactors; BWR experience also considered
- Direct experience with fueling operations and associated radiological and criticality safety controls
- Strong knowledge of reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and plant systems
- Familiarity with nuclear QA programs, technical specifications, and regulatory frameworks
- NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent preferred
- Experience with SMRs, research reactors, or naval reactors preferred
- Familiarity with startup and commissioning activities for new reactor facilities preferred
- Experience supporting regulatory inspections or licensing submittals preferred
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment with a "builder" mindset
- Rigorous, detail-oriented approach to procedure execution