Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hot Cell Operator

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hot Cell Operator, you will be at the forefront of handling and processing highly radioactive materials within a specialized, shielded containment structure known as a hot cell. Your primary responsibility is to perform complex tasks using remote-controlled master-slave manipulators, ensuring all operations are conducted in strict accordance with established safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This position is fundamental to our production, research, and waste management activities, demanding an exceptional level of precision, procedural adherence, and a steadfast commitment to a robust safety culture.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Nuclear Field Technician or Naval Nuclear Program Graduate (ET, EM, MM)
Chemical Process Operator or Technician
Experienced Manufacturing or Production Operator in a highly regulated environment (e.g., aerospace, pharmaceuticals)

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Hot Cell Operator
Hot Cell Operations Supervisor / Team Lead
Radiation Protection or Health Physics Technician/Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control (QC) Analyst (Nuclear/Radiochem)
Decommissioning and Decontamination (D&D) Specialist
Nuclear Waste Management Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully operate master-slave manipulators and other remote-handling equipment to perform intricate tasks such as processing, sampling, and packaging of radioactive materials.
Execute complex production and processing sequences inside the hot cell environment, strictly adhering to batch records, work instructions, and established procedures.
Conduct remote visual inspections of materials, components, and equipment within the hot cell to ensure integrity and identify potential issues.
Manage the transfer of radioactive materials into, out of, and between hot cells using shielded casks, transfer ports, and other conveyance systems.
Perform routine and non-routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on in-cell equipment, including manipulators, cranes, and processing machinery.
Meticulously document all operational activities, data, and observations in logbooks, batch records, and electronic systems to ensure regulatory compliance and process traceability.
Handle, segregate, and package radioactive and hazardous waste generated from hot cell operations according to site-specific and federal regulations.
Perform regular radiation and contamination surveys of the work area, personnel, and equipment using various radiation detection instruments.
Execute decontamination procedures for hot cells, manipulators, tools, and support equipment to maintain a safe working environment and support maintenance activities.
Respond promptly and appropriately to system alarms, process deviations, and potential emergency situations, following established emergency response protocols.
Prepare and analyze radioactive samples using in-cell analytical equipment to monitor process chemistry and ensure product quality specifications are met.
Support the loading and unloading of transportation casks, ensuring all activities comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.

Secondary Functions

Assist engineering and scientific staff with the setup and execution of new processes, experiments, and equipment qualification within the hot cell.
Provide input for the development, review, and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety protocols.
Actively participate in pre-job briefings, post-job reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality.
Maintain accurate inventory records for nuclear materials, chemicals, and essential operational supplies.
Mentor and provide on-the-job training for junior operators to develop their skills in remote handling and procedural compliance.
Support facility maintenance and outage activities by preparing cells, isolating systems, and performing assigned tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
Uphold and promote a strong nuclear safety culture and human performance improvement (HPI) principles, including a questioning attitude and procedural self-checking.
Collaborate with Health Physics, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance departments to resolve operational challenges and ensure seamless workflow.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Remote Manipulator Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in operating master-slave manipulators or similar remote handling systems with precision and dexterity.
Radiation Safety & ALARA Principles: In-depth knowledge of radiation protection principles, contamination control, and the practical application of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Procedural Adherence: The ability to read, comprehend, and meticulously follow complex technical procedures, work instructions, and batch records without deviation.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong mechanical skills for troubleshooting, maintaining, and performing minor repairs on remote-handling and processing equipment.
Radiation Detection: Experience using a variety of radiation survey meters, contamination monitors, and dosimetry.
Hazardous Material Handling: Knowledge of safe handling practices for both radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous materials and waste.
Technical Documentation: Proficiency in maintaining accurate and legible records, logbooks, and data entry into computer systems.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to notice minute details and inconsistencies, which is critical for safety and quality in a zero-error environment.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to think critically, analyze situations, and troubleshoot issues calmly and methodically under pressure.
Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for effective team collaboration, shift handovers, and procedural discussions.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and team safety, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating hazards.
Integrity and Reliability: A high degree of personal integrity, dependability, and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in a highly structured and regulated environment, including rotating shifts, weekends, and potential overtime as required.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree in a technical discipline.
Completion of the Naval Nuclear Power Program or a certified Nuclear Operator training program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Nuclear Technology or Engineering
Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
Mechanical or Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 2-4 years of hands-on experience in a nuclear, radiological, or highly regulated industrial environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of direct experience operating remote master-slave manipulators within a hot cell environment.
Prior experience in a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) or pharmaceutical production setting.
Experience working under NRC or DOE regulatory frameworks.