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Defense Contractor Nuclear Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

FEC Buyer

Cincinnati, OH

We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and ... This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion ...

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

FEC Buyer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and ... This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion ...

Fairbanks Morse Defense

FEC Buyer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and ... This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion ...

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

FEC Buyer

Cincinnati, OH

We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and ... This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion ...

BWXT

Nuclear Criticality Safety Unit Mgr

Erwin, TN

$114K - $180K/yr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and ...

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Defense Contractor Nuclear information

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$39K

$115.1K

$154.5K

How much do defense contractor nuclear jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor nuclear in the United States is $115,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $131,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Contractor Nuclear, and why are they important?

A Defense Contractor Nuclear requires expertise in nuclear engineering, security clearance, and a solid understanding of defense protocols, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and specialized certifications. Familiarity with nuclear regulatory systems, simulation software, and safety compliance tools is typically necessary. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient handling of sensitive nuclear projects critical to national security.

What are Defense Contractor Nuclear professionals?

Defense Contractor Nuclear professionals are individuals or companies that provide specialized products, services, or expertise related to nuclear technology for defense purposes. They may be involved in the development, maintenance, and security of nuclear weapons, reactors, propulsion systems, or related facilities. Their work often requires strict adherence to government regulations, security clearances, and collaboration with military and governmental agencies. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and advancement of nuclear capabilities for national defense.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Nuclear vs Defense Contractor Radiological?

AspectDefense Contractor NuclearDefense Contractor Radiological
CertificationsSecurity clearance, nuclear safety certificationsRadiological safety certifications, security clearance
Work EnvironmentNuclear facilities, secure labsRadiological labs, field sites
Industry UsageMilitary, government nuclear programsMedical, research, defense applications
Job FocusNuclear safety, reactor maintenanceRadiation safety, radiological material handling

Defense Contractor Nuclear professionals focus on nuclear safety, reactor operations, and maintaining nuclear facilities, often requiring specialized certifications and security clearances. In contrast, Defense Contractor Radiological roles emphasize radiation safety, handling radiological materials, and working in medical or research settings. While both roles involve working with radioactive materials, their environments, certifications, and job functions differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by defense contractor nuclear professionals, and how can they prepare for them?

Defense contractor nuclear professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating strict regulatory requirements, maintaining rigorous safety and security protocols, and managing complex, multidisciplinary projects. To prepare, it's helpful to stay current with industry standards, obtain relevant security clearances, and develop strong project management and communication skills. Collaboration with engineers, government officials, and safety experts is a regular part of the role, so being adaptable and detail-oriented is crucial for success.
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Nuclear job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,106 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Sr. Nuclear Criticality Engineer

Sr. Nuclear Criticality Engineer

GEM Technologies, Inc

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Sr. Nuclear Criticality Engineer to join our team supporting the Uranium Processing Facility! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Responsibilities
  • Support nuclear facets related to the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) design and construction of the facility.
  • Develop, revise, and peer-review Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Technical Deviations (TDs), and other NCS technical basis documents.
  • Perform facility walkdowns, review implementing documents, and participate in Operational Safety Boards.
  • Resolve non-compliance or discrepancies in safety requirements.
  • Develop calculations related to nuclear facilities.
  • Ensure design needs are met.
  • Develop, review, and implement Nuclear Criticality Safety Evaluations (NCSEs) and Determinations (NCSDs).
  • Assist in implementing and maintaining the NCS program, including operability evaluations and problem report dispositions.
  • Maintain a strong safety culture, implement zero-accident philosophies, and ensure safe work practices in operational areas.
  • Review operational areas to assess NCS compliance.
  • Perform NCS evaluations.

Requirements
  • Education & Years of Experience - Bachelor's Degree in engineering and 15+ years of relevant experience.
  • Citizenship - To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.
  • Clearance - To be considered, you must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" Clearance.
  • Must understand nuclear criticality safety procedures.
  • Must have excellent coordination and communication skills to work with various teams and stakeholders.
  • Must have experience with DOE and/or commercial nuclear projects

About the Site
The Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) is a construction project at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that is intended to modernize and replace aging facilities for uranium operations. Once complete, UPF will support the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, naval reactors, and defense nuclear nonproliferation while ensuring the long-term safety, security, and viability of enriched uranium capabilities in the United States. (energy.gov).
ABOUT GEM
GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:
  • Our philosophy - We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.
  • Our relationships - Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.
  • Our team - We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.
  • Our community involvement - Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GEM's offered compensation is dependent on candidates' education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee's needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.
Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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