ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Gurnee, IL

All JobsNuclear Engineering JobsEntry Level Nuclear Engineering JobsEntry Level Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Gurnee, IL

Entry Level Nuclear Engineering information

See Gurnee, IL salary details

$25K

$101.4K

$144K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineering in Gurnee, IL is $101,352.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $113,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs in Gurnee, IL?

For Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs in Gurnee, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Gurnee, IL are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs?

Cities near Gurnee, IL with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings:

Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings in Gurnee, IL 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 $101,352 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Electrical Specialist (Night Shift)

Novelis Lincolnshire Manufacturing Facility

Lincolnshire, IL

$62.10/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

Novelis is one of the world leaders in aluminum recycling and rolling and a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider. Driven by our purpose of "shaping a sustainable world together," we work alongside our customers to provide innovative solutions to the aerospace, automotive, beverage packaging and specialty markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis has approximately 13,000 employees in 32 operating facilities on 4 continents.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Our Lincolnshire, IL Finishing Plant is seeking to add a talented Electrical Specialist to our team.

As a member of the team, you can expect:

 

Excellent pay - Our Electrical Specialists start at $41.40 per hour. Employees receive premium pay (time and one-half; $62.10 per hour) for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday and receive shift differential pay for evening shifts ($1.50 per hour).

Incentive plan - Employees are eligible for a Productivity Incentive Plan once completing 90 days of service. The plan is paid on a monthly basis with a maximum payout of 5%.

Benefits - We offer a competitive benefit program including paid vacation and holidays. Employees are eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance which begins on date of hire. New employees are immediately eligible to participate for the 401(k) plan, including Company match up to 2.5%; additional Employer contributions of 4% after one year of employment.

Schedule - 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM on 3-2-2 Schedule

Responsibilities:

  • Performs breakdown, corrective, renovative and preventative electrical maintenance
  • Locates and determines electrical malfunctions using test instruments.
  • Repairs malfunctions by replacing fuses, defective wiring, and cleaning or repairing motors and controls.
  • Applies knowledge of gauges, wiring diagrams, schematics and properties of electricity to trouble-shoot disabled or malfunctioning equipment.
  • Plans procedures, develops sketches, selects tools, equipment and materials best suited for job.
  • Maintains communication equipment and wiring.
  • Diagnoses and remedies furnace burner problems.
  • Climbs on buildings towers, and equipment to make inspections, repairs, and installations.
  • Considers all safety precautions and proper isolation of circuits to provide maximum safety precautions and a minimum of interference to operations. Follows all safety procedures and energy control (lockout/tagout). Utilizes JSA's.
  • Operates forklift and uses articulating and rotating boom hoist, telescoping hoist, scissors lift, and pick-up truck.
  • Adhere to and support company quality, environmental, health & safety, and certification standards, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, IATF 16949:2016, and ASI Certifications, where applicable.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a leader in safety. Is a safe worker who demonstrates concern for personal safety and safety of others. Team player and self-starter. Basic computer knowledge. Electrical aptitude. Understanding of National Electrical Code. PLC/Ladder Logic experience and knowledge. Motor drive knowledge and experience. Ability to work from blueprints and written instructions. Electrical troubleshooting skills. Capable of running conduit and running wiring. Understanding of electrical distribution principles. Willingness to train and improve knowledge and skills. Three to five years industrial electrical experience or combination of training and work experience

Military MOS Crosswalk can include but is not limited to:

Air Force

  • 32E1E - Civil Engineer Officer (Electrical)
  • 32E3E - Civil Engineer Officer (Electrical)
  • 62E - Developmental Engineer (Electrical/Electronics)

Army

  • 12A - Engineer Officer
  • 24A - Telecommunications Systems Engineer
  • 24B - Data Systems Engineer
  • 25D - CommunicationsElectronics Engineering Officer

Navy

  • 1220 / 1223 / 1225 / 1227 - Naval Reactors Engineer Officers
  • 1400 / 1403 / 1405 / 1407 - Engineering Duty Officers
  • 1440 / 1443 - Ship Engineering Duty Officers
  • 9374 - Ship's Engineer Officer, Nuclear (Electrical)
  • 9371 - Nuclear Engineer Officer (General)
  • 9372 - Nuclear Engineer Officer (Main Propulsion)
  • 9373 - Nuclear Engineer Officer (Damage Control)
  • 9392 - Ship's Reactor Officer
  • 9393 - Reactor Mechanical Assistant
  • 9394 - Reactor Control Assistant

Marine Corps

  • 8824 - Electronics Engineer Officer
Location Profile

The finishing mill in Lincolnshire Illinois is located 26 miles from Chicago and was established in 1966.  The facility cold rolls aluminum to a desired gauges anneals to tempers levels and slits the rolled sheet to size.  The facility which employees around 100 people produces mill finish coils for the building construction and transportation industries where its' products are used for gutters siding soffits and facia.  Lincolnshire is committed to the local community through its ongoing volunteer initiatives with a number of local organizations.

Novelis recognizes its talented and diverse workforce as a key competitive advantage. Novelis provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. All terms and conditions of employment at Novelis including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoffs recalls transfers leaves of absence compensation and training are without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal provincial or local laws.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply