EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Operator - Nuclear

System One; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

System One is seeking an EDM Operator to support nuclear power plant outage activities by operating and maintaining portable EDM equipment for precision machining and removal of damaged components.

The role requires reading blueprints, following procedures, and working within radioactive and high-safety environments. Extensive travel to nuclear stations during outage seasons is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience operating EDM or related precision machining equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.
• Must have been badged in a nuclear power plant within the last year.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor portable EDM equipment during nuclear plant outages.
• Perform precision machining to remove broken bolts, studs, taps, and other damaged components without harming surrounding materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, work packages, and technical procedures.
• Conduct equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain detailed documentation of work performed, equipment usage, and quality records.
• Adhere to all nuclear safety, radiation protection, and quality assurance requirements.
• Follow nuclear procedures, customer specifications, and outage schedules.
• Work closely with supervisors, engineers, quality personnel, and plant staff to complete assigned tasks.
• Participate in pre-job briefings, post-job reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and ensure tools and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
• Travel extensively to nuclear generating stations throughout scheduled outage seasons.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Safety focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

EDM equipment

Precision machining equipment

Job description

The EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Operator supports nuclear power plant outage activities by operating and maintaining EDM equipment used for precision machining and removal of broken fasteners, studs, and other critical components. Working as part of a outage team, the operator ensures all work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with nuclear quality assurance, radiological controls, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor portable EDM equipment during nuclear plant outages.
• Perform precision machining to remove broken bolts, studs, taps, and other damaged components without harming surrounding materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, work packages, and technical procedures.
• Conduct equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain detailed documentation of work performed, equipment usage, and quality records.
• Adhere to all nuclear safety, radiation protection, and quality assurance requirements.
• Follow nuclear procedures, customer specifications, and outage schedules.
• Work closely with supervisors, engineers, quality personnel, and plant staff to complete assigned tasks.
• Participate in pre-job briefings, post-job reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and ensure tools and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
• Travel extensively to nuclear generating stations throughout scheduled outage seasons.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience operating EDM equipment or related precision machining equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to use precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions.
• MUST have been badged in a nuclear power plant within the last year
• Ability to pass required fitness-for-duty, background, and drug screening requirements.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts during outages.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in confined spaces, elevated areas, and radiological environments while wearing required PPE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with portable EDM systems and broken fastener removal.
• NCCER, machinist, millwright, or equivalent technical training.
• Familiarity with nuclear quality standards, work control processes, and ALARA principles.
• Current radiation worker or nuclear access qualifications are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary outage team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong commitment to safety and procedural compliance.
• Ability to perform under demanding outage schedules while maintaining high-quality workmanship.

Work Environment

• Commercial nuclear power plants during scheduled refueling and maintenance outages.
• Frequent travel with temporary assignments lasting several weeks.
• Extended work schedules, including 10-12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Exposure to industrial, radiological, and high-security work environments while following strict safety and regulatory requirements.

Ref: #161-Managed Staffing Charlotte