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Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer I/II (Reactor Design)

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $118K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled entry-level Nuclear Engineer I/II to join our dynamic team and contribute to the design and development of next-generation nuclear reactors. The Nuclear Engineer I/II ...

ReNuke Services is seeking a Nuclear Digital Design Engineer Subject Matter Expert for our client"s site in Seneca, SC! Description: Workers at this level solve more complex problems in engineering ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106.50 - $146.48/hr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ... Ownership of Nuclear design and analysis, examples include: * Shielding: Operational dose and ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ... Ownership of Nuclear design and analysis, examples include: * Shielding: Operational dose and ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ... Ownership of Nuclear design and analysis, examples include: * Shielding: Operational dose and ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ... Ownership of Nuclear design and analysis, examples include: * * Shielding: Operational dose and ...

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Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer information

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How much do entry level nuclear design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level nuclear design engineer in the United States is $85.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82.69 and $93.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectEntry Level Nuclear Design EngineerNuclear Reactor Operator
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Nuclear Engineering or related field; internshipsHigh school diploma or equivalent; NRC license
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, computer modeling, project teamsReactor control rooms, plant facilities
Industry UsageDesigning new reactors, safety analysisOperating and monitoring reactors

Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineers focus on designing and analyzing nuclear systems, requiring engineering degrees and technical skills. Nuclear Reactor Operators control and monitor reactors, needing specialized licenses and on-site training. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work settings.

How to become an entry level nuclear design engineer?

To become an entry-level nuclear design engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or co-op programs and developing skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and nuclear modeling software are also important steps. Professional licensure or certification, such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, can enhance job prospects.

What are entry-level jobs at a nuclear plant?

Entry-level jobs at a nuclear plant for a nuclear design engineer typically include positions such as junior design engineer, nuclear technician, or plant operator. These roles often require basic knowledge of nuclear systems, safety protocols, and relevant certifications, and they provide hands-on experience in plant operations and design support.
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Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Design Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Nuclear Design Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $177,000 per year, or $85.1 per hour.

Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY • On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. 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? Apply today! 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 Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits! 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.

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