2

Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Piping Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Completion of bachelor's degree in Nuclear, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial engineering or a ... As an entry-level Full-Time employee, you will enjoy a robust rewards package including enrollment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering information

See salary details

$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do entry level nuclear chemical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear chemical 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 an entry level nuclear chemical engineer?

An Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineer is a professional who has recently started working in the nuclear industry with a focus on the chemical processes involved in nuclear power generation, fuel processing, or waste management. They typically assist in designing, operating, and maintaining systems that handle radioactive materials, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. These engineers often work under the supervision of more experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience and applying their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Their tasks may include conducting research, performing safety analyses, and supporting the development of nuclear materials and processes. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field.

What does an entry level nuclear chemical engineer do?

As an entry level Nuclear Chemical Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects, including assisting with reactor process optimization, performing safety and environmental compliance checks, and supporting senior engineers in designing chemical systems for nuclear facilities. You'll likely be involved in data collection, analysis, and preparing technical reports, while also learning to use industry-specific software. Collaboration is a key part of the role, so you'll regularly interact with multidisciplinary teams such as mechanical engineers, health physicists, and project managers to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level nuclear chemical engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, nuclear science, and safety protocols, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with simulation software, radiation detection instruments, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and compliance with stringent industry standards in nuclear environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering vs Entry Level Chemical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Nuclear Chemical EngineeringEntry Level Chemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical or Nuclear Engineering, possibly some security clearancesBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentNuclear power plants, nuclear research facilities, or energy sectorsChemical plants, manufacturing, or process industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear energy and research sectorsBroader industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and consumer goods

Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering focuses on nuclear energy environments, requiring specialized knowledge of nuclear processes, while Entry Level Chemical Engineering covers a wider range of industries with general chemical process skills. Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and share similar entry-level responsibilities, but differ in industry focus and safety protocols.

More about Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering job openings:

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

The most popular types of Nuclear Chemical Engineering jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Chemical Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

West Mifflin, PA • On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

parental leave, tuition assistance, 401(k)

Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career?

Job Description

The Future Development Programs (FDP) department at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a highly motivated entry-level nuclear engineer to contribute to next generation reactor core design. FDP is currently leading the conceptual development of a new reactor core for the Navy's fast attack submarine fleet. Additional focus areas include defining future design spaces, evaluating innovative technologies, and assessing cost-performance trade-offs for advanced submarine propulsion concepts.

In this role, you will apply your nuclear engineering education to evaluate neutronic behavior, thermal performance, shielding design, or overall primary plant performance. You will help assess how new design concepts can improve the performance, safety, and capability of future naval reactors. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong desire to develop a broad understanding of how multiple engineering disciplines integrate into reactor core design.

FDP is currently in the conceptual core design phase, where close collaboration between nuclear design, thermal analysis, shielding, and reactor performance groups is essential. This phase will transition into detailed core and plant design, requiring development of sophisticated analysis models and execution of comprehensive evaluations to ensure maximum capability while ensuring the reactor is safe for deployment.

This position requires strong communication skills and frequent interaction with multidisciplinary partners, including core manufacturing groups, materials performance groups, and reactor plant design organizations. Interested applicants must excel at working in a highly collaborative environment.

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Nuclear Engineering or Physics; or
  • Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Nuclear Engineering or Physics.
Preferred Skills
  • Cumulative GPA 3.2 or higher
  • Coursework in thermal and nuclear design and analysis including neutronics, radiation transport, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or finite element analysis
  • Experience in engineering analysis, including the use of coding to post-process results in MATLAB or Python
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner
Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
Pay Range

$63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Naval Nuclear Laboratory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom