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Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kinectrics

Mechanical Engineer-Entry Level

Naperville, IL · On-site

$75K - $83K/yr

... nuclear as well as some of the newest technologies in nuclear today! About the Job As an ... entry-level Mechanical Engineer you will work with a team of engineers on client projects involving ...

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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineer 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings:
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Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Piping Stress Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Piping Stress Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Piping Engineering & Analysis Synopsis

The Piping Engineering & Analysis discipline performs evaluations for piping systems in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME B31.1, ASME B31.7, and other codes as applicable to the specific evaluation being performed. The Piping Engineering & Analysis discipline also performs the following specialty topics:

  • Vibration monitoring and analysis to evaluate system operational vibrations associated with plant modifications and operating events, and to provide vibration prevention and mitigation solutions and designs
  • Evaluation of hydraulic transients, evaluation of piping systems for thermal stratification effects, operability evaluations, and qualification of piping for hydrodynamic loads
  • Pipe rupture evaluations, evaluation of pipe wall thinning due to flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) or microbiological induced corrosion (MIC), and pipe flaw evaluations

Position Specific Details

Responsible for learning the practical application of engineering principles through participation in the collection, processing, and evaluation of data. This involves performing various engineering-related calculations and analyses of limited scope and under close supervision.

Entry-level staff support engineering design projects with the following responsibilities:

  • Under supervision, gathers data and prepares simple calculations.
  • Under supervision, prepares simple system/structural designs.
  • Gathers data for specifications.
  • Gathers data and prepares simple bid tabulations.
  • Gathers data for reports/studies.
  • Communicates technical information and results in a clear and concise manner that is usable by other project team members and supervisors.
  • Gains familiarity with and applies the accepted standards and processes to assigned project tasks.
  • Completes assignments within allocated time frames.
  • Develops personal capabilities to the fullest on assigned projects, in order to grow professionally.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace, or Structural/Civil Engineering with an emphasis in solid mechanics, structural analysis, theory of elasticity, metallurgy, and finite element analysis
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
  • Previous, related internship or co-op experience
  • Familiarity with AutoPIPE and PIPESTRESS software

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness Financial Benefits Work-Life Balance

  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$62,998 - $90,586

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Awards & Recognition

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

CityChattanooga

StateTN

CountryUnited States

Area of InterestMechanical Engineering

TypeFull Time - Regular

Job ID2026-23662

Business GroupNuclear Power Group

DepartmentPiping Engineering Analysis

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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