UF6 Operator

About This Role

As a Plant Operator at General Matter, you will operate and monitor our uranium enrichment systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operations. You'll work hands-on with cutting-edge enrichment equipment in a fast-paced R&D environment where you'll see systems being built and commissioned from the ground up.

This is not a typical "legacy facility" operator role - you'll interface directly with engineers, chemists, and technical teams as we scale our operations, and your input and attention to detail will directly impact our ability to deliver low-cost nuclear fuel safely at scale.

You'll work rotating shifts in a highly regulated, safety-first environment handling nuclear materials, and you'll be part of a mission to restore America's enrichment capacity and enable the nuclear Renaissance. If you're an industrial operator - whether from chemical plants, refineries, the Navy nuclear program, or other high-hazard operations - and you're looking for work with real mission and impact, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and control uranium enrichment equipment and support systems
• Monitor operating parameters, alarms, and instrumentation to ensure safe and efficient plant operations
• Make valve adjustments, start and stop equipment, and perform routine operational tasks in accordance with written procedures
• Record operational data, maintain logs, and complete shift turnover documentation
• Respond to process alarms, abnormal conditions, and equipment malfunctions in compliance with safety and operating procedures
• Perform routine equipment inspections and support maintenance activities
• Participate in lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and follow all safety protocols for handling nuclear materials
• Collaborate with engineering, chemistry, and maintenance teams to support testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement activities
• Support compliance with NRC, DOE, and internal regulatory requirements
• Participate in ongoing training and qualification programs to maintain operational proficiency
• Work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays as required
• Support development of procedures and training program materials

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 3+ years of experience as an industrial plant operator, process operator, or equivalent in a high-hazard or regulated environment (e.g., chemical plants, refineries, power generation, semiconductor manufacturing, or military technical operations)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures and safety protocols with precision
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and safety-conscious mindset
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance and access authorization for work with nuclear materials (U.S. citizenship required)
• Willingness to work rotating shifts (days, evenings, nights) including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work on-site in Paducah, KY or Los Angeles, CA
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in industrial environments

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Navy nuclear training (submarine or aircraft carrier propulsion plant operations) or other military technical training
• Experience in highly regulated industries (NRC, DOE, FDA/GMP, EPA, or similar)
• Familiarity with lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, or hazardous material handling procedures
• Experience working in startup, commissioning, or R&D environments where flexibility and problem-solving are valued
• Active or prior security clearance (DOE Q/L clearance or DOD Secret/Top Secret)
• Associate's degree in Process Technology, Industrial Operations, or related technical field
• Prior experience in nuclear facilities, enrichment plants, fuel fabrication operations, or handling UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) is a plus but not required

Additional Requirements

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $40/hr - $65/hr.

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors.

In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.