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Associate Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is in the Nuclear Criticality Safety Division (NCSD). This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional ...

In this role, you will support our initiatives in nuclear survivability and assessments and will be ... Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering ...

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Associate Nuclear Engineer information

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$41.5K

$82.6K

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How much do associate nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate nuclear engineer in the United States is $82,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary around $120,000, with top earners in senior or specialized roles reaching approximately $150,000 to $200,000. Achieving a $500,000 salary generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-paying industries or locations, which are uncommon for standard nuclear engineering positions.

What is an Associate Nuclear Engineer job?

An Associate Nuclear Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional who supports the design, analysis, and maintenance of nuclear systems, reactors, and related technologies. They assist senior engineers in conducting research, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving safety protocols. Their work may involve simulations, radiation shielding calculations, and troubleshooting reactor performance. Typically, they are employed in energy plants, government agencies, or research institutions.

What are the typical responsibilities of an Associate Nuclear Engineer on a daily basis?

As an Associate Nuclear Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include assisting senior engineers with reactor design analysis, preparing safety documentation, supporting regulatory compliance activities, and conducting simulations or data analysis for operational efficiency. You might also participate in regular team meetings, collaborate with health physicists, and help troubleshoot engineering issues in nuclear systems or power plants. This role provides hands-on experience with advanced technologies and industry practices, offering valuable learning opportunities while working closely with experienced professionals. Such diverse tasks help you build foundational skills and prepare for more senior roles in the nuclear engineering field.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced nuclear engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or working in specialized sectors like nuclear power plant management or consulting, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, and often involves bonuses or profit-sharing arrangements.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior nuclear engineers, including associate nuclear engineers with extensive experience and advanced certifications, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in specialized roles or high-demand facilities. Such compensation often reflects expertise in reactor design, safety analysis, or project management, and may include bonuses and benefits.

Can you get an Associates in nuclear engineering?

An associate's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field can provide foundational knowledge for entry-level positions such as nuclear technician or assistant. However, most nuclear engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related discipline for full qualification and advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Associate Nuclear Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Nuclear Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering or a related discipline, strong analytical skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software (such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, or MCNP), radiation safety protocols, and regulatory compliance is vital, and certifications like Engineer-in-Training (EIT) are advantageous. Effective teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure safe operation, technical accuracy, and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams working on complex nuclear projects.

More about Associate Nuclear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Associate Nuclear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Nuclear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Nuclear Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,636 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Post-Baccalaureate Student in Nuclear Criticality Safety

Post-Baccalaureate Student in Nuclear Criticality Safety

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 105 rated laboratories


Job description

What You Will Do
The Nuclear Criticality Safety Division (NCS) is seeking a highly motivated post-baccalaureate with a strong background in nuclear engineering to support development of challenging criticality safety evaluation documents (CSEDs) as well as all aspects of criticality safety.
This role involves close collaboration within a highly interdisciplinary team supporting a variety of nuclear facilities across LANL.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Degree in Nuclear Engineering
  • Proficiency in Python and MCNP
  • Interest in pursuing criticality safety as a career

Education/Experience:
  • Post-Associate's/Post-Bachelor's
  • Must have earned an Associate's or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) within the last 3 years in an appropriate field,
  • Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience running MCNP, kcode calculations preferred
  • Self-motivated to work independently
  • Strong communication skills
  • Comfortable in a customer-service environment
  • Ability to obtain security clearance (Q)

Work Environment:
Work Location: Onsite/Hybrid: This position is located in Los Alamos, NM with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement (partially onsite/partially offsite) from a location within 2 hours ground commute of this location. Reporting onsite will be regularly required. Hybrid is at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice. Some interns may work a 9/80 schedule at the discretion of management and in accordance with the Student Programs Office guidebook.
Note to Applicants:
Anticipated travel requirements: Candidate may travel for various NCS-related training, including the DOE NCSP 2-week Hands-on Course.
Contact: Gladis Mendez, POC for NCS
Required Application Materials:
  • Current resume
  • Current official transcripts
  • Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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