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Contract Navy Nuclear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Professional Engineering Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear ... S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in ...

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Professional Engineering Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear ... S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in ...

Curtiss-Wright

Project Engineer

East Farmingdale, NY

Support bid and proposal activities for Navy Nuclear Products * Review of purchase order technical ... contract requirements are fulfilled * Resolve technical issues during product flow from Engineering ...

Curtiss-Wright

Project Engineer

East Farmingdale, NY

Support bid and proposal activities for Navy Nuclear Products * Review of purchase order technical ... contract requirements are fulfilled * Resolve technical issues during product flow from Engineering ...

Curtiss-Wright

Project Engineer

East Farmingdale, NY · On-site

Support bid and proposal activities for Navy Nuclear Products * Review of purchase order technical ... contract requirements are fulfilled * Resolve technical issues during product flow from Engineering ...

Curtisswright

Project Engineer

East Farmingdale, NY

Support bid and proposal activities for Navy Nuclear Products * Review of purchase order technical ... contract requirements are fulfilled * Resolve technical issues during product flow from Engineering ...

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All 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 Jun 11, 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 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.

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, and why are they important?

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.

Does the navy hire nuclear engineers?

Yes, the Navy hires nuclear engineers to work on nuclear propulsion systems for submarines and aircraft carriers. These roles typically require a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, along with security clearances and specialized training in naval nuclear propulsion. Nuclear engineers in the Navy are involved in designing, maintaining, and operating nuclear reactors in a highly secure environment.

How much do Navy nuclear engineers make?

Navy nuclear engineers typically earn a salary ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. They often receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, and must complete specialized training and certifications to work on nuclear propulsion systems.

Can you make $500,000 as a Nuclear Engineer?

Nuclear engineers working in the Navy as nuclear propulsion or power plant specialists typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually. High earnings in this field are usually associated with senior positions, specialized skills, or private sector roles, rather than standard military or entry-level positions. Achieving such a high income generally requires advanced experience, certifications, or transitioning to private industry roles with higher compensation potential.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the field of nuclear engineering, senior nuclear engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in specialized or high-responsibility positions such as nuclear plant managers or senior technical directors. These roles often require advanced degrees, security clearances, and expertise in safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Nalley Consulting

Reston, VA • On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position: Nuclear Engineer 
LCAT: Senior
Location: Reston, Virginia
This position is contingent upon award.
Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the past seven years will be prioritized.
Required experience: At least 11 years
Required education (Senior): Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics, 11+ years of experience
Desired certification: Professional Engineering
Description
Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for functional characterization of WMD facilities and their associated design.
Join us as a Nuclear Engineer and become a key player in characterizing large-scale and small-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in reverse engineering structural processes, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The successful candidate will:
  • Have knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering.
  • Oversee and manage teams conducting analysis of underground WMD facilities and targets including nuclear reactors, reprocessing facilities, storage and related infrastructure.
  • Conduct vulnerability analyses and assessments to determine defeat options.
  • Experience with engineering research, reverse engineering analysis or characterizations, and facility and vulnerability assessments on foreign nuclear capabilities.
  • Characterize the structure of WMD facilities, some of which are clandestine
  • Spearhead projects from vision to reality, delivering on time and within budget
  • Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors
  • Present compelling project reports and updates to stakeholders
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics
  • 11+ years relevant experience
  • Knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior-level government representatives
  • Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results
  • Practical experience in WMD analysis
  • Understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or missile programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce and comply with IC tradecraft standards.
Other desired skills:
  • Professional Engineering Certification.
  • Demonstrated ability writing ICD 203 and ICD 206-compliant finished intelligence production.
  • 15 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems.
  • Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities.
  • Experience conducting analyses of hard and deeply buried underground facilities.
  • Experience examining seismic, electrical, or electromagnetics data to characterize underground facilities and hard and deeply buried targets.
  • Demonstrate in-depth analysis of analytic operations and knowledge management issues across organizational and intra-IC boundaries and clearly articulates key findings.

 

ABOUT NALLEY CONSULTING

Nalley Consulting is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business working with prime partners to staff Department of Defense and Intelligence Community positions. Created by a U.S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in several states.

Nalley Consulting fringe benefits include:

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • PTO
  • 11 paid federal holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Paid military-reserve leave
  • Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
  • 401k matching up to 5 percent of the base salary
  • Flex time
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

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