Reactor Operator

Last Energy is a nuclear energy company that designs, builds, owns, and operates small modular reactors (SMRs) for industrial and commercial customers. The company's flagship product, the PWR-20, is a 20 MWe pressurized water reactor that is fully modular and factory-produced, enabling faster and more cost-effective deployment than traditional nuclear power plants. Last Energy serves as a behind-the-meter independent power producer, supplying reliable baseload electricity to energy-intensive industries including data centers, metals production, food and beverage, pulp and paper, chemicals, and cement manufacturing. The company's mission centers on making nuclear power radically simpler and more accessible by removing the burden of development, financing, and operations from customers through a power purchase agreement model. This approach aligns nuclear energy deployment with the urgent need for resilient, low-carbon power, particularly as demand from AI infrastructure and industrial growth accelerates. Last Energy's use of proven reactor technology combined with proprietary steel containment systems is designed to streamline licensing and reduce construction timelines. Last Energy represents a new generation of nuclear developers focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors with firm, emissions-free power. By standardizing and modularizing the entire plant through factory manufacturing, the company aims to bring predictable costs and schedules to a sector historically challenged by both, positioning SMRs as a practical climate solution at commercial scale.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Monitor, operate, and control reactor systems during startup, operation, and shutdown in accordance with approved procedures and technical specifications

Execute fueling operations, including fuel handling, loading, core management activities, and associated radiological controls

Perform and document routine surveillances, plant walkdowns, and equipment checks to ensure systems remain within operational limits

Respond to abnormal and emergency plant conditions; execute abnormal operating procedures (AOPs) and emergency operating procedures (EOPs) as required

Support the development, review, and validation of plant operating procedures, especially as the PWR-5 design matures toward commercial deployment

Maintain rigorous configuration control and documentation standards consistent with nuclear quality assurance requirements

Participate in training, simulator exercises, and qualification programs; support the training of junior operators as applicable

Interface with regulatory authorities and support inspections, audits, and licensing activities as needed

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

2+ years of hands-on reactor operations experience, with demonstrated proficiency in licensed or certified operator duties

Experience with pressurized water reactor (PWR) or pool-type reactor operations; BWR experience will also be considered

Direct experience supporting fueling operations, including fuel handling and associated radiological and criticality safety controls

Strong working knowledge of reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and plant systems as applied to day-to-day operations

Familiarity with nuclear QA programs, technical specifications, and the regulatory framework governing nuclear plant operations (NRC or equivalent)

NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent certification (e.g., DOE-facility certification, international equivalent) is preferred

Experience with small modular reactors (SMRs), research reactors, or naval reactors is preferred

Familiarity with startup and commissioning activities for new reactor facilities is preferred

Experience supporting regulatory inspections or participating in licensing submittals is preferred

Ability to work effectively in a lean, fast-paced startup environment with a "builder" mindset

Proven ability to execute procedures with a rigorous, questioning attitude and high attention to detail