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Entry Level Nuclear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fissionaire

Nuclear Engineer I/II (Reactor Design)

Madison, WI

$99.30K - $118.90K/yr

... engineering, our startup is developing revolutionary reactor technology to secure safe and abundant energy for future generations. We are seeking a highly skilled entry-level Nuclear Engineer I/II to ...

Dominion Energy

Supv Nuclear Engineering

Mineral, VA · On-site

$143.20K - $171.50K/yr

Proactively develops entry level engineers to move on to greater responsibility * Excellent written ... Nuclear power plant experience to include 1 yr. On site experience to include .25 yr. Special ...

Dominion Energy

Supv Nuclear Engineering

Mineral, VA

$143.20K - $171.50K/yr

Proactively develops entry level engineers to move on to greater responsibility * Excellent written ... Nuclear power plant experience to include 1 yr. On site experience to include .25 yr. Special ...

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear 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 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 solid background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and nuclear simulation tools, as well as safety and regulatory certifications, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set successful candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear systems in a highly regulated and technically complex environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level nuclear engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level nuclear engineers often encounter a steep learning curve as they adapt to strict safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and specialized technical systems unique to the nuclear industry. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including operators, safety specialists, and senior engineers—can also be challenging at first. Additionally, new engineers must quickly become comfortable interpreting complex technical documentation and participating in detailed risk assessments, which are essential to plant operations and safety. Supportive mentorship and comprehensive onboarding programs are typically provided to help new hires overcome these initial hurdles.

What do entry level nuclear engineers do?

Entry level nuclear engineers assist in the research, design, development, and operation of nuclear equipment and systems, often under the supervision of more experienced engineers. Their responsibilities may include conducting tests, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They often work in nuclear power plants, research labs, or government agencies, gaining hands-on experience while learning industry protocols. Entry level positions typically require a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field.

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

AspectEntry Level Nuclear EngineeringNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, and development in labs or officesOperational support in nuclear power plants or facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, government agencies, research institutionsNuclear power plants, maintenance, and safety operations

Entry Level Nuclear Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on design, analysis, and research tasks, while Nuclear Technicians usually have an associate's degree and support plant operations and safety. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer I/II (Reactor Design)

Fissionaire

Madison, WI

$99.30K - $118.90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

As an emerging leader in nuclear engineering, our startup is developing revolutionary reactor technology to secure safe and abundant energy for future generations.  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 will contribute to the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced nuclear reactor systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nuclear engineering, proficiency with industry-standard design software, and a proactive, self-starting attitude. This role requires innovative thinking, technical expertise, and a commitment to advancing safe and sustainable nuclear energy solutions.

Key responsibilities
  • Design and develop nuclear reactor systems, including core design, thermal-hydraulics, and safety systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Perform simulations and analyses to optimize reactor performance, safety, and efficiency using industry-standard software tools.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, materials scientists, and safety analysts, to integrate reactor designs into broader systems.
  • Conduct risk assessments and safety analyses to ensure designs meet stringent nuclear safety requirements.
  • Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
  • Stay updated on advancements in nuclear technology, materials, and regulations to incorporate cutting-edge solutions into designs.
  • Participate in project planning and scheduling to ensure timely delivery of design milestones.
  • Contribute to research and development initiatives for innovative reactor concepts.  
qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field. Ph.D. preferred but not required.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in nuclear reactor design, analysis, or related fields within industry or in academic work.
  • Proficiency with nuclear design and analysis software, such as MCNP, SCALE, RELAP5, COMSOL, MOOSE, GOTHIC etc.
  • Familiarity with CAD software for reactor component design.
  • Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis, scripting, or automation of design processes.
  • Knowledge of nuclear physics, neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and reactor safety principles.
  • Experience with Molten Salt Reactor design preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects to completion with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety standards.
  • Knowledge of materials science, particularly related to radiation-resistant materials and high-temperature applications.
  • Familiarity with risk assessments and analysis (PRA, FMEA, PIRT etc.) preferred
  • Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for thermal-hydraulic analysis preferred.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.
What we offer
  • Competitive salary with equity options
  • Comprehensive benefits, holiday and PTO schedule
  • Opportunity to shape foundational operations in a groundbreaking nuclear startup.

Fissionaire’s technology is subject to U.S. export control regulations, which require the company to review applicants’ eligibility based on their citizenship or residency status. As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to indicate whether they are a U.S. citizen, green card, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee resident to support this review. Because government authorization timelines can vary, Fissionaire is unable to consider alternate resident statuses where required approvals may not be obtainable within a timeframe that meets business needs.

Fissionaire is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, family or relationship structure, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Fissionaire’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.