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Reactor Operator

Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory Salary
Idaho, ID Full Time
POSTED ON 8/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/21/2026
Job Description

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

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

Responsibilities Include

  • Operate and perform some maintenance on facility equipment and systems. Facility equipment and systems may include 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 by facility programs and administrative procedures.
  • As requested, review and provide operational input to proposed procedures, procedural revisions, and proposed modifications to facility equipment/systems.
  • Apply standard procedures for assigned tasks and known processes, such as experiments requiring minor modification and operating test equipment.
  • Clearly understand and recognize the use of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools in self and others with the knowledge of how and when to apply tools to a specific work task.

Minimum Requirements

Level 2:

  • Graduation from high school or equivalent with 6 years relevant experience
  • Or associates with 2 years relevant experience
  • Or ESTEC graduate with 0 years relevant experience
  • Or Bachelors degree in related technical field with 0 years relevant experience

Level 3

  • Graduation from high school or equivalent and 8 years of relevant experience,
  • Or associates or ESTEC graduate with 4 years relevant experience
  • Or Bachelor's degree in related technical field with 2 years relevant experience

Level 4

  • Graduation from high school or equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience,
  • Or associates or ESTEC graduate with 6 years relevant experience
  • Or Bachelor's degree in related technical field with 4 years relevant experience

ALL Levels

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

Preferred Qualifications

  • Reactor Experience
  • Engineering Degree
  • Nuclear Navy, MM, EM, ET

Job Information

  • Level 2: $30.84 - $50.87 per hour.
  • Level 3: $36.08 - $59.52 per hour
  • Level 4: $41.42 - $70.41 per hour
  • At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and may work in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires the operation of job-related equipment and operating a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions.

About Us

Benefits and Relocation

  • 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 subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

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 more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

Salary : $31 - $51

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