Principal Nuclear Reactor Engineer

Skills at this level

Reactor Control Manipulation

— Positions control rods and regulates flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature and rate of power flow to control reactor power within licensed limits.

Operations Monitoring

— Watches gauges, dials and indicators to confirm reactor and generator systems are running normally and to detect the effects of generator loading on other equipment.

Startup and Shutdown Evolutions

— Conducts the sequenced procedures that bring a nuclear reactor critical or take it subcritical, following standard operating procedures at each step.

Abnormal Condition Diagnosis

— Responds to system or unit abnormalities by identifying the cause from plant indications and recommending or taking corrective action.

Emergency Procedure Execution

— Implements the plant's emergency operating procedures when off-normal or accident conditions arise, carrying out the prescribed operator actions.

Nuclear Fuel Handling

— Participates in fuel element handling activities including preparation, transfer, loading and unloading of nuclear fuel.

Lockout/Tagout and Clearances

— Develops and implements lockouts, tagouts and clearances that isolate equipment so it can be safely repaired without hazard to personnel or the reactor.

Radiological and Environmental Safety

— Operates the reactor in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.

Operational Logkeeping

— Records reactor and system data in operating logs at prescribed intervals to document plant status and support shift turnover and regulatory review.

Shift Communication and Dispatch

— Dispatches orders and instructions to auxiliary and field personnel via radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate equipment operation during evolutions.

Control Room Command

— Oversees the control panel and overall unit operation, directing and supervising reactor operators through routine and off-normal evolutions.

Regulatory Compliance (NRC)

— Carries responsibility for meeting NRC licensing requirements and radiological safety obligations across the plant's operation.

Operator Instruction

— Trains and qualifies reactor operators, building the crew mental representations needed to handle transients and casualties beyond routine procedures.