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Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Nuclear Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$23.6K

$95.7K

$136K

How much do entry level nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineer in Alabama is $95,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectEntry Level Nuclear EngineerNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and safety assessments in labs or officesOperate and monitor nuclear equipment in power plants or facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, research facilities, government agenciesNuclear power plants, medical facilities, research labs

Entry Level Nuclear Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on designing and analyzing nuclear systems, while Nuclear Technicians usually have technical certifications and handle operational tasks. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically demonstrated by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as understanding of regulatory standards like NRC guidelines, is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate technical work, compliance with safety regulations, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What does an entry level nuclear engineer do?

An entry level nuclear engineer assists in the design, development, and maintenance of nuclear equipment and systems. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants, reactors, or medical devices. Their tasks may include conducting research, performing safety analyses, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Entry level nuclear engineers also participate in training and learn about the industry's safety protocols and best practices.

What are common challenges faced by entry level nuclear engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level nuclear engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex regulatory requirements, adapting to rigorous safety protocols, and quickly learning specialized software and technical systems unique to nuclear facilities. They may also need to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical, on-site applications. New engineers can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in ongoing training programs, and regularly engaging with interdisciplinary teams to broaden their understanding of operational procedures and safety standards.

What Does an Entry-Level Nuclear Engineer Do?

An entry-level nuclear engineer works with nuclear energy and radiation. As a nuclear engineer, you devise systems and create tools for using nuclear power. You oversee responsibilities like developing equipment, writing operating guides for equipment and processes, ensuring safety during facility operations, and taking action to prevent and mitigate nuclear emergencies. You may work in a nuclear power plant or in a laboratory focusing on using radioactive materials for societal benefit, like in the medical or aerospace industries. Your responsibilities are to test nuclear processes for solvency, maintain safety standards, and eventually handle supervisory and managerial duties depending on the size and scope of your team.

More about Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in Alabama? For Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,710 per year, or $46 per hour.
Assistant / Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Assistant / Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$75K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: $75,100.00 - $88,075.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300604
Department: Mechanical and Civil Engineering & Construction Management
Opening Date: 05/09/2025
Description
Summary:
The Department of Mechanical & Civil Engineering and Construction Management at Alabama A&M University invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in Mechanical Engineering. The rank and tenure status are negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
We seek a dynamic and highly qualified candidate with expertise in nuclear engineering, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), gas turbine systems, material sciences and thermal-fluid sciences. The ideal candidate will be capable of teaching a wide range of courses including Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Reactor Engineering I & II, Gas Turbines, Material Sciences and CFD. A specialization in nuclear systems is particularly desirable.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate-level Mechanical Engineering courses, including but not limited to:
    1. Introduction to Nuclear Engineering
    2. Nuclear Reactor Engineering I & II
    3. Gas Turbine Systems
    4. Computational Fluid Dynamics
    5. Thermal Sciences and related courses
  • Develop and enhance mechanical engineering laboratories.
  • Supervise senior design and graduate projects.
  • Engage in scholarly research and seek extramural funding.
  • Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Contribute to department, college, university, and professional service

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, research, and service.
  • Ability to teach across the Mechanical Engineering curriculum with a strong emphasis on nuclear engineering, CFD, gas turbines, material sciences and thermal sciences.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Expertise and teaching experience in nuclear reactor systems.
  • Experience in securing external research funding.
  • Proven ability to develop and teach laboratory-based courses.
  • Background in materials science, manufacturing, or propulsion is a plus.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Nuclear Reactor Engineering
    • Computational Fluid Dynamics
    • Gas Turbine Systems
    • Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics
    • Materials Science and Manufacturing
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, research, and service?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have the ability to teach across the Mechanical Engineering curriculum with a strong emphasis on nuclear engineering, CFD, gas turbines, material sciences and thermal sciences?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply