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Entry Level Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Washington

Eng Plan Spec I

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $95K/yr

BAE Systems is seeking an entry-level Engineering Planner to support our work as a prime contractor ... S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation's nuclear arsenal its importance to maintaining world ...

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Entry Level Nuclear Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$29.4K

$119.6K

$169.9K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineering in Washington is $119,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,600.00 and $133,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get into entry level nuclear engineering?

To enter an entry-level nuclear engineering position, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining relevant internships, developing skills in reactor systems and safety protocols, and obtaining certifications such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can improve job prospects.

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 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 entry-level nuclear engineering jobs at a nuclear plant?

Entry-level nuclear engineering jobs at a nuclear plant typically include roles such as nuclear engineer trainee, plant operator, or junior reactor engineer. These positions involve assisting with plant operations, safety procedures, and maintenance, often requiring knowledge of nuclear systems, safety protocols, and relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer license or NRC licensing exams.

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.

What does an entry level nuclear engineer 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 are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,596 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Eng Plan Spec I

BAE Systems

Washington, DC • On-site

$56K - $95K/yr

Full-time

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


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description


BAE Systems is seeking an entry-level Engineering Planner to support our work as a prime contractor on high-profile U.S Navy weapon systems. This Engineering Planner position will support the Navy Program Manager responsible for Strategic Systems Planning (SSP) Facilities Acquisition at TRIDENT Submarine Bases, primarily at Kings Bay, Georgia and Bangor, Washington. This engineering planner specialist position will act in a support role assisting project management activities and providing reports and quality control checks of presentations. This individual will be responsible for supporting the generation of Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs). As the engineering planner, you will be working directly with the program management to create presentations for various meeting and client deliverables.
Responsibilities:
  • Compile weekly and monthly reporting on the activities associated with the SP25 Facilities Engineering contract
  • Support the generation of Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs)
  • Track and reconcile expenses for overall budget support
  • Generate Work Authorization Documents (WADs) and provide variance analysis
  • Update the business reporting package with attrition, tasking, and project information
  • Provide quality control checks for reports, papers, spreadsheets, and presentations prepared by the Program's Team
  • Perform as back-up for the Facilities Engineering Data Repository Lead
  • Refilling out-of-place items or routing them to the proper location
  • Assist the Program Area Manager (PAM) with ad-hoc tasking as required

The candidate will be required to manage and/or support other disciple tasks as needed. This position must also work with and support corporate Safety, Health, Environment (SHE) personnel to maintain a safe work environment and ensures compliance with safety objectives and policies.
The candidate will be required to maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
About BAE Systems and the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)
Our organization has supported the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) continually since the program's inception in the 1950s. SSP developed the first sea-based, underwater-launched Strategic Weapon System (SWS), a defense system that is truly critical to our national security. For more than six decades, SSP has maintained and upgraded this weapon system and we have been there every step of the way. The sea-based SWS is the ultimate stealthy weapon system and is the first leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation's nuclear arsenal its importance to maintaining world peace cannot be overstated. The development of Columbia, the most advanced nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine ever designed, as well the next D5LE2 weapon system is under way and will begin to be rolled out over the next decade. The Navy projects this system to be operational through 2084, meaning the program will have a total life span of more than 120 years. This is a unique program and BAE Systems employees on this program understand they are part of an important legacy.
As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program has remarkable stability and is concurrently experiencing significant growth. Combined, these factors provide ample opportunity for professional growth and development for capable and talented individuals on our team.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc.
BAE Systems plc provides some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions. As one of the top ten defense contractors, we employ a skilled workforce of around 100,000 people in more than 40 countries. We develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to protect national security and keep people safe.
Required Skills and Education
Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or High School Diploma and professional work experience with project planning.
  • Willingness to learn business operations of a complex logistics enterprise
  • Ability to work on own initiative and also with cross-functional teams
  • Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to work independently
  • Strong interest in building a career in Project Management
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Excellent problem-solving skills utilizing quality assurance
  • Maintain a safe, clean, warm and welcoming environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Excellent interpersonal skills used when interfacing, coordinating, and negotiating with colleagues, auditors, customers and vendors
  • Good planning, time management and organization skills

About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Preferred Skills and Education
  • Ability to gather and translate the current program's processes into automated solutions
  • Familiarity of SSP contracts and U.S. Navy submarines
  • Familiarity with basic project management principles
  • Desire to learn about analysis of contract task orders, subcontract expenses, purchasing requests, forecasting and master schedules

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