Nuclear Training Instructor Sr - Simulator Test Operator

Apply now »

Date: Apr 8, 2026

Location(s): Palo, IA, US, 52324

Company: NextEra Energy

Requisition ID:  94409 

 

NextEra Energy Resources is one of America’s largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!


 

Position Specific Description

The Nuclear Training Instructor Sr - Simulator SRO Test Operator at Duane Arnold Energy Center plays a critical role in ensuring the full-scope simulator remains a high-fidelity, NRC/ANSI-compliant training and testing platform. This position directly supports licensed operator training, regulatory compliance, and plant operational integrity by leading simulator testing, issue management, training support, and engineering change implementation across all simulator systems and environments. 

This role operates in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment where technical precision and regulatory compliance are essential. The position requires close collaboration with Operations, Training (ILT and LOCT), Reactor Engineering, Emergency Planning, and external agencies. The role demands independent technical judgment, strong organizational skills, and around-the-clock availability to support training operations.
  
Position Specific Job Responsibilities
•    Performs all NRC/ANSI required simulator testing each core cycle and conducts post-event testing as required; manages issues identified during testing to closure
•    Maintains test data to support testing and training data needs
•    Creates and manages the full simulator Initial Condition bank, scenario directories, front-end environments, and virtual panel configurations across all simulator platforms
•    Maintains training support materials including reactivity books, chemistry data sheets, automated briefing sheets, Ops aids, and simulator physical fidelity
•    Provides real-time technical support during Ops training and conducts simulator operator qualification and requalification training
•    Investigates and resolves simulator issues with internal and external stakeholders through closure
•    Evaluates engineering changes for simulator impact, coordinates implementation with internal and external agencies, and maintains the Long-Term Simulator Differences Log
•    Assists in coordinating updates and upgrades for all simulator software platforms
•    Develops, validates, and operates Emergency Plan drill scenarios in coordination with EP and Ops management
•    Schedules, leads, and documents Simulator Review Committee meetings and tracks follow-up actions to closure
•    Coordinates and maintains the simulator schedule across all stakeholder groups
•    Supports NRC exam development, performs exam validations, and provides technical simulator support during NRC exams and industry evaluations

The Ideal candidate for this role will possess one or more of the following:

•    Bachelor's – Engineering or Nuclear Technology
•    SRO License – Active, Inactive, or Prior
•    Experience as a Simulator Coordinator or equivalent role at a nuclear facility
•    Experience as a licensed operator training instructor (ILT or LOCT)
•    Hands-on experience with full-scope simulator software platforms 
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office
•    Experience implementing engineering changes and reference plant modifications in a simulator environment
•    Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills

Job Overview

This job is responsible for preparing employees to pass the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initial and requalification operator and senior operator licensing examinations. Employees in this role deliver integrated systems training to participants that covers plant operations and prepares them to stand field and/or control room watch duty.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

  • Designs, develops, implements and presents integrated systems training and initial operator and requalification training programs in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements
  • Operates the simulator and classroom display instruction system during training in accordance with approved procedures
  • Develops and administers written and oral examinations to include simulator and plant observation
  • Evaluates and documents operator candidate knowledge of controls and systems
  • Revises instructional materials to reflect changes in plant design, current plant practices, regulations, and/or operating philosophies
  • Provides direction to less experienced instructors and function as program lead
  • Maintains a senior reactor operator certification or license for the site where instruction duties are being performed
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • High School Grad / GED 
  • Bachelor’s or Equivalent Experience 
  • Experience: 7+ years 
  • Nuclear Experience: 7+ years 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's - Sciences
  • Bachelor's - Engineering
  • Certified Nuc Trng Instructor Classroom
  • SRO License - Active, Inactive, or Prior

Special Requirements

Nuclear Specific Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s in a technical field (e.g., Math, Physical Sciences specialty, Engineering) or equivalent education and/or experience 
  • Related industry OR nuclear operations training experience: 8+ years
  • Upon hire, SRO certification must be obtained for the site where training duties are performed

 

NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members. Click here to learn more.

 

Employee Group:  Exempt
Employee Type:  Full Time
Job Category:  Training
Organization:  NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC 
Relocation Provided:  Yes, if applicable

 

NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. 

 

NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to recruiting-coordinator.sharedmailbox@nexteraenergy.com, providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you. 

 

NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

 

NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.

#LI-CC2 


Nearest Major Market: Cedar Rapids

Job Segment: Nuclear, Power Plant Operator, Reactor Operator, Energy

Apply now »