Reactor Operations Engineering Intern

BWXT; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Housing stipend

401k thrift plan

Inclusive atmosphere

Mission-driven company

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA is seeking a Reactor Operations Engineering Intern to assist building strategies and procedures for FOAK nuclear reactor systems.

You will work with a team on developing operational strategies, testing methodologies, and training materials while gaining hands-on experience in a mission-driven, safety-focused environment. Housing stipend and flexible schedules are available for eligible students, with a path to contribute to critical defense and energy

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a technical bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program.
• Strong organizational and communication abilities.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational strategies and testing methods for FOAK reactor systems.
• Evaluate events and plant responses; assist in procedure development.
• Validate strategies using reactor simulators and human-performance guidance.
• Support design engineering activities with emphasis on testing fundamentals.
• Develop reactor systems training materials per standards.
• Assist senior reactor operations engineers with tasks.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Office

U.S. Citizen

Education

Pursuing technical degree

Tools

Reactor plant simulator

Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.

If you are looking for a Summer 2027 internship opportunity where innovative thinking is fostered and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.

Position Overview

As a Reactor Operations Engineering Intern, you will assist our team with building strategies and procedures for first-of-a-kind (FOAK) nuclear reactor systems.

Location

The position will be located in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office.

Your Day to Day as a Reactor Operations Engineering Intern

• Assist in the development of operational strategies and testing methodologies for FOAK nuclear reactor systems using design data, safety analyses, and system requirements documentation.
• Evaluate events, accidents, malfunctions, and assist in the development of integrated plant response procedures.
• Validate operational strategies, plant response procedures, and adjust processes as needed using a reactor plant simulator and human-performance engineering guidance.
• Evaluate testing methods and needs for reactor systems.
• Participate in systems and design engineering activities for various projects, with a focus on ensuring sound testing and operational fundamentals are built into new reactor systems early in the design process.
• Participate in the development of reactor systems training materials in accordance with internal, industry, and regulatory standards.
• Assist with tasks assigned to senior reactor operations engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled student pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in a technical field of study (e.g., Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Physics, Chemistry etc.).
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to multi-task.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

What We Offer

• Flexible work schedules to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Housing stipend available for those that meet eligibility requirements.
• BWXT offers the thrift plan (401k) to its employees. After 3 years of employment, you become fully vested and any time as an internship goes towards that time.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.

Pay: $25.05 - $31.83

The starting hourly rate for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $25.05 and $31.83 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid (“Agreement”). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg

Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia

Job Segment: Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Entry Level Engineer, Operations Manager, Summer Internship, Engineering, Science, Operations, Entry Level