Nuclear Reactor Operator
げんしろおぺれーた
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Research and Technical Occupations
- Middle : Manufacturing Engineers
- Minor : Other Manufacturing Engineers
Summary
A technical job that controls nuclear reactions in nuclear power plants or research reactors to operate safely and stably.
Description
Nuclear reactor operators appropriately control the nuclear reactions of reactors to stably generate power or supply heat and steam for research purposes. They monitor instrument data from the control room, insert and withdraw control rods, and adjust coolant flow rates. They handle daily inspections, radiation monitoring, attendance at maintenance checks, execution of emergency shutdown procedures, and other tasks where safety management is the top priority. After obtaining a license, they undergo multi-layered education, training, and simulations to gain solo operation authority.
Future Outlook
While there is a shift toward decarbonization and renewable energy both domestically and internationally, due to the extremely high importance of safety, the demand for nuclear technicians is expected to remain stable and high. Expertise will also be utilized in decommissioning and new reactor development.
Personality Traits
Attentive / Calm and composed / Cooperative / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Bi-weekly two days off / Night watch / Shift work
Career Path
Operator Assistant → Nuclear Reactor Operator → Senior Operator → Operations Manager → Plant Manager
Required Skills
Emergency Response Procedures / Instrumentation Control System Operation / Nuclear Reactor Operation Control / Radiation Measurement
Recommended Skills
Knowledge of Chemistry and Physics / Leadership / Reading English Technical Documents / Risk Assessment
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Ability to analyze operation data and predict nuclear reaction behavior is essential. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High accuracy is required to not miss minor instrument changes or alarms. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Quantitative analytical skills are needed for nuclear reaction calculations and understanding thermodynamic data. |
| Planning & Organization | Shift operations and inspection plans need to be accurately planned and executed. |
| Problem Solving | Quick judgment is necessary for identifying causes during abnormalities and emergency shutdown responses. |
| Stress Tolerance | High mental resilience is required due to the risk of major accidents. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Since operations are mainly based on existing procedures, creativity is not particularly required. |
Related Qualifications
- Boiler Technician
- High-Pressure Gas Manufacturing Safety Manager
- Nuclear Reactor Senior Engineer License
Aliases
- Nuclear Power Operator
- Nuclear Reactor Operation Engineer
- Nuclear Reactor Operator
Related Jobs
- Maintenance Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Power Plant Operator