Nuclear NextGen Operations

The NextGen Operator – Nuclear Operations Development Program is a structured, multi-year, part-time development role designed to build future nuclear operations talent through progressive training, plant exposure, and operations-focused learning. This role is intended for high-performing engineering students and is designed as a direct pathway into long-term nuclear operations careers. Unlike a traditional summer internship, this role is structured as a year-round, part-time position integrated with the student's academic schedule. The program is designed to support degree completion while maintaining consistent development against defined learning milestones. 

St. Lucie Nuclear Plant, will provide NextGen Operators with exposure to plant systems, safe and reliable operations, and fleet operating standards within a structured development environment. 

Program Structure & Part-Time Commitment 

• Year-round, part-time role designed to fit alongside academic responsibilities. 

• Structured learning activities may include self-study, remote learning modules, knowledge checks, and onsite familiarization activities. 

• Regular communication with the assigned supervisor, mentor, or training lead is expected, including recurring progress check-ins. 

• Program participation is intended to continue across academic terms and is not limited to a single summer assignment. 

• Participants are expected to maintain good academic standing while making steady progress through assigned development milestones. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Participate in structured operations training and qualification activities aligned to operator fundamentals. 

• Perform plant system walkdowns, equipment observations, and field familiarization activities. 

• Support control room observation and operational awareness activities under supervision. 

• Apply engineering fundamentals to plant systems, equipment performance, and real operating conditions. 

• Assist with procedure validation, documentation updates, tagging awareness, and configuration control activities, as assigned. 

• Complete assigned learning modules, knowledge checks, and development tasks in accordance with program expectations. 

• Maintain consistent progress toward program milestones and communicate barriers or schedule conflicts in a timely manner. 

• Complete an operations-focused project or assigned deliverable for review with site leadership or program leadership. 

Program Differentiators 

• Part-time, multi-term development model rather than a traditional internship. 

• Direct exposure to nuclear plant systems, operating standards, and operational fundamentals. 

• Structured development aligned to future nuclear operations and licensed operator career pathways. 

• Development supported by Operations and Training leadership through a fleet-aligned NextGen Ops framework. 

Performance & Engagement Expectations 

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout program participation. 

• Complete assigned learning activities and required program deliverables by established due dates. 

• Respond to supervisor or training communications promptly and proactively communicate conflicts related to exams, travel, or schedule changes. 

• Participate in recurring program check-ins and documented progress reviews. 

• Demonstrate professionalism, a strong safety mindset, reliability, communication, teamwork, and adherence to site expectations during onsite activities. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Electrical Engineering 

• Nuclear Engineering 

• Chemical Engineering 

• Power Systems Engineering 

• Prior leadership, team-based project work, or student organization involvement 

• Demonstrated accountability, initiative, and strong written and verbal communication skills