Reactor Operator

Antares•Idaho Falls, ID

3d•$31 - $71

About The Position

At Antares, the long-term mission is to make clean energy abundant, using mass-producible, inherently safe, deployable microreactors for terrestrial, underwater, and space applications. The company develops advanced nuclear energy systems for military, climate, global development, and space exploration purposes. The Reactor Operator supports the safe and effective operation of Antares nuclear reactor systems through testing, startup, deployment, and ongoing operations. Part of the Nuclear Operations organization, the role executes operational activities, supports reactor experiments, and ensures work follows established procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards. The position works with operations leadership, engineering teams, and other technical personnel on reactor operations, operator training, and operational readiness. It contributes to procedure, training-program, and operational-process development and improvement, while building hands-on experience with reactor systems and working toward Reactor Operator qualifications. The role helps establish safe, reliable, and repeatable operations as Antares develops and deploys its reactors.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated technical environment, or a completed STEM degree.
Experience working across multiple disciplines to support complex systems or projects.
Ability to follow structured procedures and translate technical, regulatory, and operational requirements into assigned tasks.
Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments while recognizing when to seek direction.
Clear technical communication skills, including the ability to share information with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Must pass a medical evaluation under DOE O 426.2B and 10 CFR Part 55, as applicable, after a conditional offer; periodic reevaluations are required to maintain qualification.
Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.
Must meet an ITAR eligibility category: U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, such as nuclear, mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or a related field.
Experience supporting reactor operations, startup, commissioning, or deployment.
Familiarity with nuclear safety and compliance programs.
Experience supporting customers, regulators, or external partners in technical settings.
Prior experience in the U.S. Navy nuclear program, national laboratories, or the commercial nuclear industry.

Responsibilities

Support safe and efficient operation of reactor experiments and plant facilities by following approved procedures, work instructions, and direction from operations leadership.
Support nuclear training programs for operators and maintenance personnel by preparing materials, coordinating sessions, tracking completion, and providing instruction within assigned qualifications.
Identify procedural, personnel, and program needs for reactor operations and elevate gaps and recommendations to the appropriate lead.
Uphold performance, safety, and operational-excellence standards, and promptly report issues or deviations.
Support nuclear activities for Antares test and deployed reactors in accordance with approved plans and procedures.
Participate in technical discussions, reviews, and working groups with internal teams and external stakeholders; contribute information and follow through on assigned actions.
Provide observations and recommendations to engineering and program teams to improve the scalability and repeatability of reactor deployments.
Obtain Reactor Operator qualifications to support reactor operations as assigned.
Maintain accurate operational records and support readiness reviews, procedure updates, and lessons-learned activities.
Recognize when conditions fall outside approved procedures or assigned authority and promptly notify operations supervision.