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Research Reactor Operations Lead

Battelle Energy Alliance
paid time off, tuition assistance, 401(k), remote work
United States, Idaho, Idaho Falls
2525 Fremont Avenue (Show on map)
Jul 01, 2026

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Research Reactor Operations Lead to work on our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) Reactors Division team. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) with every Friday off.

This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule every Friday off.

You will monitor research operations, facility operations, and related oversight of planning, maintenance, modifications, and space allocations for ranges and facilities located with research and nuclear capabilities. You will verify that activities conducted in facilities comply with regulatory requirements. Ensure training requirements are met. You will advise on all aspects of safety, quality and efficiency associated with conduct of research. Ensure facilities and laboratories comply with environmental, waste, disposition of materials standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee laboratory research and facility operations such as, NRAD and TREAT, activities to ensure the facility is operated safely and in full compliance with all laboratory requirements, federal and state regulations, orders, and permits.
  • Act as an expert in the safe conduct of research. Oversee and mentor principal researchers, project managers and technicians in the planning and execution of complex and high-risk R&D. Drive continuous improvement in processes, procedures, tools, and equipment.
  • Manage the condition, maintenance, flow of materials in and out of facilities in support of experiments and exercises, and storage of materials and equipment.
  • Perform reviews and oversight of various R&D systems design, construction, set-up, and operation. Lead walkdowns, inspections, and research scope reviews.
  • Coordinate with researchers, program managers, project managers, and mission enabling organizations to ensure that laboratory spaces are maintained efficiently and provide R&D capabilities in accordance with the schedule(s) as well as organizational strategic plans.
  • Validate and approve research work control documents.
  • Conduct reviews of system and activity compatibility and coordination/scheduling all system operations within the laboratory.
  • Allocate personnel to specific job assignments, direct workflow, coordinate production schedules, coordinate activities such as repairs, lock and tag, research and developmental activities, and acts on employe problems.
  • Provide leadership/advisory support, guidance, and planning for new and complex projects/problems for Research and Development (R&D) research operations.
  • Identify facility deficiencies and coordinate with enabling organizations to correct.
  • Support compliance to programs such as, ISMS, Contractor Assurance Program, Quality Assurance Program, Conduct of Operations, and Conduct of Maintenance.
  • Develop outage plans and ensure risks / hazards to laboratory and nuclear facilities are appropriately managed.
  • Guide and mentor more junior staff members.
  • May coordinate complex/facility upgrades, maintenance, and repairs.
  • Maintain strategic interfaces with S&T Directorates, COOs, INL mission enabling organizations, ES&H SMEs, DOE, Universities, and other national laboratories.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Senior Manager: Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of experience.
  • Must have 6+ years' experience as a senior reactor operator.
  • Must be willing to qualify as a Nuclear Facility Manager (NFM) within one year of hire date.
  • Must have experience managing reactor operations or a nuclear facility.
  • Equivalent education and experience may be considered in satisfaction of minimum qualification requirements.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred:

  • Advanced degree in a science or technical field (i.e., Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering).
  • Experience performing research operational roles such as Principal Researcher and/or Laboratory Space Coordinator.
  • Must have obtained an NRC Senior Reactor Operator license in a commercial nuclear plant.

Job Information:

  • The Target pay range for this position is $158,712 - $237,174. The full salary range is $107,844 - $274,980. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
  • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation




  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
  • Paid time off (personal leave)
  • Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
  • Comprehensive Relocation Package
  • Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.



At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.


INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.
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