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Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Sourcer for Nuclear Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) personnel, including officers (1110N/1120) and senior ... Build a sustainable talent community for high-volume nuclear and waterfront engineering roles.

NSS

Sourcer for Nuclear Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) personnel, including officers (1110N/1120) and senior ... Build a sustainable talent community for high-volume nuclear and waterfront engineering roles.

HII

Nuclear Engineer 1 (30060)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$61K - $74K/yr

... Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. Radiological Controls Engineering offers a challenging, high paced, team environment with opportunity to excel and endless possibilities for ...

HII

Nuclear Engineer 1 (30060)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$61K - $74K/yr

... Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. Radiological Controls Engineering offers a challenging, high paced, team environment with opportunity to excel and endless possibilities for ...

HII

Nuclear Engineer 1 (30060)

Newport News, VA

$61K - $74K/yr

... Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. Radiological Controls Engineering offers a challenging, high paced, team environment with opportunity to excel and endless possibilities for ...

HII

ENGINEER NUCLEAR 4

Newport News, VA · On-site

$124K - $153K/yr

Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our ... of management, project engineering, construction project, trades, contracts and pricing ...

HII

ENGINEER NUCLEAR 4

Newport News, VA · Hybrid

$124K - $153K/yr

Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our ... of management, project engineering, construction project, trades, contracts and pricing ...

HII

ENGINEER NUCLEAR 4

Newport News, VA · Hybrid

$124K - $153K/yr

Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our ... of management, project engineering, construction project, trades, contracts and pricing ...

HII

$61K - $74K/yr

... Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. Radiological Controls Engineering offers a challenging, high paced, team environment with opportunity to excel and endless possibilities for ...

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All Jobsfreelance JobsContract Navy Nuclear Engineering Jobs

Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering information

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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do contract navy nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract navy nuclear engineering in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract Navy nuclear engineer?

A Contract Navy Nuclear Engineer is a professional who works on naval nuclear propulsion systems, such as those found in submarines and aircraft carriers, but is employed on a contract basis rather than as an enlisted or commissioned officer. These engineers may assist with the design, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning of nuclear reactors. Their responsibilities often include ensuring safety standards, troubleshooting technical problems, and providing expertise during upgrades or repairs. Contract status means they are typically hired for specific projects or periods, rather than as permanent government employees. This role requires a strong background in nuclear engineering and strict adherence to military safety and security protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract Navy nuclear engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Navy Nuclear Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering principles, physics, mathematics, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by Navy-specific training or security clearance. Familiarity with nuclear reactor systems, simulation software (such as MATLAB or AutoCAD), and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills are essential for coordinating complex projects and ensuring safety. These skills ensure the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion systems under demanding conditions.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract Navy nuclear engineers, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Contract Navy Nuclear Engineers often work on complex projects with strict safety and regulatory standards, requiring meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation. Adapting quickly to different shipyard environments or project teams is common, as contract roles may involve rotating assignments. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with multidisciplinary teams, and a solid understanding of Navy nuclear protocols. Gaining familiarity with naval regulations and maintaining up-to-date security clearances can also help ensure a smooth transition into contract roles.

What is the difference between Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering vs Contract Navy Nuclear Technician?

AspectContract Navy Nuclear EngineeringContract Navy Nuclear Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, nuclear propulsion license, security clearanceTechnical training, nuclear propulsion certification, security clearance
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and oversight of nuclear systems aboard ships or submarinesMaintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of nuclear propulsion systems
Industry UsagePrimarily in engineering roles on naval vessels and defense projectsOperational roles focused on system maintenance and support

Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering and Contract Navy Nuclear Technician roles both involve working with nuclear propulsion systems in the Navy. Engineers focus on design, analysis, and oversight, requiring an engineering degree and advanced certifications. Technicians handle maintenance and operational tasks, requiring technical training and certifications. Both roles are vital for naval nuclear operations but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Does the navy hire contract navy nuclear engineers?

Yes, the Navy hires contract navy nuclear engineers to support submarine and aircraft carrier operations, often through specialized defense contractors. These positions typically require security clearances, relevant engineering certifications, and experience in nuclear propulsion systems.

What cities are hiring for Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Navy Nuclear Engineering jobs?

The most popular types of Navy Nuclear Engineering jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering jobs include:

Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Sourcer for Nuclear Engineers

NSS

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Technical Recruiter / Talent Sourcer with specialized expertise in identifying and engaging high-demand Nuclear Engineers and cleared defense talent in the Hampton Roads corridor.

In this role, you will lead passive candidate sourcing for critical naval defense contracts. While day-to-day operations are primarily remote, this role requires living within commuting distance of Norfolk, VA to attend weekly in-person hiring events, cleared career fairs, and client/team syncs across the local market.

Key Responsibilities
  • Targeted Sourcing: Execute advanced Boolean searches, direct cold outreach, and pipeline building across specialized talent pools
  • Military-to-Civilian Translation: Identify and engage transitioning U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) personnel, including officers (1110N/1120) and senior enlisted ratings (ETN, EMN, MMN).
  • Candidate Screening: Evaluate candidates on technical qualificationsand verify active Secret / Top Secret security clearances
  • Local Event Representation: Attend weekly mandatory in-person recruiting events, veteran networking meetups, shipyard transition briefings, and team meetings in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area.
  • Pipeline Management: Build a sustainable talent community for high-volume nuclear and waterfront engineering roles.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of technical sourcing or recruiting experience focused on cleared defense, naval architecture, or nuclear engineering.
  • Deep familiarity with the Hampton Roads defense ecosystem
  • Proven track record using advanced sourcing strategies beyond basic LinkedIn (e.g., clearance portals, military transition tools).
  • Working knowledge of U.S. Security Clearances and U.S. Citizenship requirements (NNPI / ITAR compliance).
  • Location: Must reside in or near Norfolk, VA (or be willing to commute locally once a week for mandatory in-person events).
Preferred Skills
  • Prior agency or prime contractor experience recruiting for NAVSEA or DOE nuclear projects.
  • Strong network within the U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program community.
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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Social media

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