Nuclear Operations Technician I / Nuclear Operations Technician II - Oconee Nuclear Station

Duke Energy; Seneca (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy in Seneca, SC seeks Nuclear Operations Technicians to perform surveillances, operate plant equipment, and participate in Fire Brigade duties. Onsite mobility applies.

The role outlines a clear path from Auxiliary Operator toward Reactor Operator and Senior Reactor Operator with plant-specific training and NRC licensing steps. Applicants should meet high school diploma requirements and related qualifications.

Qualifications

• Nuclear Operations Tech I High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Nuclear Operations Tech II High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Minimum 1 of following: Has held RO or SRO license at another utility; Naval experience that meets the requirements for entering the Instant SRO program, or; Four-year degree in engineering or the equivalent (i.e., a degree in engineering technology or the physical sciences that includes course work in physics, mathematics, or engineering; a professional engineer's (PE) license obtained by passing the PE examination)
• Naval Nuclear experience (Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, or Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor)
• Military experience specifically in Operations and/or Maintenance
• Previous Maintenance experience (valve, pipefitting, welding)
• Electrical and Mechanical backgrounds
• Engineering degrees OR technical degrees for majority
• Previous experience in nuclear plant operations (e.g., Nuclear Navy or commercial nuclear power)
• One to three years of operations experience in industrial maintenance, boiler operations or power generation
• High degree of manual dexterity and mature judgment
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of customers in all levels of an organization
• Demonstrated effective analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to deliver superior results within allocated time through effective prioritization, scheduling, planning and execution of assigned work
• Demonstrated the ability to work as part of a team, be a self-starter, exercise flexibility, and take personal responsibility for assigned accountabilities
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing processes, regulations, responsibilities, and work environments

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of station Fire Brigade
• Reporting on system and component status using computerized round process in order to keep supervision informed
• Starting and stopping plant equipment as directed by operating procedures
• Performing tests and checks on operability of system components (e.g., leakage)
• Isolating and restoring equipment
• Outdoor surveillance required year-round on both day and night shift
• On-going training expectations are required to maintain proficiency in this job hierarchy
• While serving as the Auxiliary Operator (AO), the individual is expected to work toward advancement to a licensed position by progressing academically and in job knowledge. This entails successfully completing a generic fundamentals training program as well as a plant specific license class leading to an NRC administered license exam.
• There is a progression of approximately five years going from AO to being selected for training for a Reactor Operator license (RO) and then approximately 2 years to being selected for training for a Senior Reactor Operator license (SRO).

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Nuclear Operations Technician I / Nuclear Operations Technician II

*** Anticipated start date will be February 8, 2027 ***

"Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy".

"December 2026 Engineering graduates can be considered for Nuclear Operations Tech II level"

Onsite Mobility Classification - Work will be performed at a company facility.

Position Summary

Nuclear Operator Technicians are responsible for performing surveillances throughout the plant as well as operating valves and equipment in the plant.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of station Fire Brigade
• Reporting on system and component status using computerized round process in order to keep supervision informed
• Starting and stopping plant equipment as directed by operating procedures
• Performing tests and checks on operability of system components (e.g., leakage)
• Isolating and restoring equipment
• Outdoor surveillance required year-round on both day and night shift
• On-going training expectations are required to maintain proficiency in this job hierarchy
• While serving as the Auxiliary Operator (AO), the individual is expected to work toward advancement to a licensed position by progressing academically and in job knowledge. This entails successfully completing a generic fundamentals training program as well as a plant specific license class leading to an NRC administered license exam.
• There is a progression of approximately five years going from AO to being selected for training for a Reactor Operator license (RO) and then approximately 2 years to being selected for training for a Senior Reactor Operator license (SRO).

Working Conditions

• Shift Work
• Frequent Overtime
• Weekend / Holiday Work
• Testing Required
• Plant environment with extreme temperature ranges and high humidity
• Exposure to dust, fumes, and high noise levels
• Ability to wear protective clothing including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves due to heavy industrial environment (rotating equipment with high temperature and high-pressure fluids up to 650f and 2235 psig)
• Includes climbing, stooping, pulling, and pushing

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Nuclear Operations Tech I High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Nuclear Operations Tech II High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
• Minimum 1 of following:
• Has held RO or SRO license at another utility
• Naval experience that meets the requirements for entering the Instant SRO program, or
• Four-year degree in engineering or the equivalent (i.e., a degree in engineering technology or the physical sciences that includes course work in physics, mathematics, or engineering; a professional engineer's (PE) license obtained by passing the PE examination)

Desired Qualifications

• Naval Nuclear experience (Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, or Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor)
• Military experience specifically in Operations and/or Maintenance
• Previous Maintenance experience (valve, pipefitting, welding)
• Electrical and Mechanical backgrounds
• Engineering degrees OR technical degrees for majority
• Previous experience in nuclear plant operations (e.g., Nuclear Navy or commercial nuclear power)
• One to three years of operations experience in industrial maintenance, boiler operations or power generation
• High degree of manual dexterity and mature judgment
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of customers in all levels of an organization
• Demonstrated effective analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to deliver superior results within allocated time through effective prioritization, scheduling, planning and execution of assigned work
• Demonstrated the ability to work as part of a team, be a self-starter, exercise flexibility, and take personal responsibility for assigned accountabilities
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing processes, regulations, responsibilities, and work environments

Specific Requirements

• This role requires the use of weight rated equipment, with max ratings ranging from 275lbs to 325lbs, in order to meet the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Respirator Clearance/SCBA
• Fire Brigade Mandatory hearing protection program
• Nuclear Pre-Access Drug Screen
• Successful completion of pre-employment aptitude testing is required
• Must be able to obtain nuclear access
• Successful completion of Basic Operator Training (BOT)

Travel Requirements

• 5-15%

Relocation Assistance

• Provided (as applicable)

Union Position

• No

Visa Sponsored Position

• No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. About Duke Energy Terms of Use Brighter opportunities. Brighter futures. Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we're dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.