ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Decatur, IL

$95K - $114K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lula, GA

$91K - $109K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Norwalk, IA

$92K - $110K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Morocco, IN

$89K - $107K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Chaumont, NY

$97K - $116K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lakewood, OH

$88K - $106K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Inkster, MI

$92K - $110K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, MS

$80K - $96K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Nicollet, MN

$97K - $116K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cochituate, MA

$103K - $123K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lennox, CA

$101K - $121K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Redmond, WA

$110K - $132K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Hawthorne, NY

$103K - $124K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lind, WA

$102K - $122K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Columbia, MO

$93K - $112K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

$84K - $101K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Ashland, NE

$94K - $113K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Niantic, CT

$90K - $107K/yr

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Nuclear Engineer Jobs

Graduate Nuclear Engineer information

See salary details

$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do graduate nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Nuclear Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Graduate Nuclear Engineer should possess a solid understanding of nuclear engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation software (e.g., MCNP, MATLAB), CAD tools, and adherence to safety regulations or potential certifications like Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is important. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help candidates stand out. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient plant operations and contributing meaningfully to multidisciplinary engineering projects.

What is a Graduate Nuclear Engineer job?

A Graduate Nuclear Engineer is an entry-level role for recent engineering graduates specializing in nuclear science, reactor design, radiation safety, or related fields. They assist senior engineers in designing, analyzing, and maintaining nuclear systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards. Responsibilities may include conducting research, simulations, and performance assessments for nuclear facilities or power plants. This role provides hands-on experience and professional development opportunities in the nuclear industry, often leading to more specialized positions.

What types of projects or tasks can a Graduate Nuclear Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As a Graduate Nuclear Engineer, you may start your career by assisting senior engineers with reactor design calculations, safety analysis reports, or performance monitoring of nuclear systems. You could be involved in supporting maintenance planning, analyzing radiation shielding, preparing technical documentation, or participating in plant upgrades. Many entry-level engineers also work closely with mentors and cross-functional teams—including mechanical, electrical, and safety engineers—to gain hands-on industry experience. Expect a mix of desk-based analysis and potential site visits to gain practical understanding. This variety helps you build core technical competencies while learning to navigate regulatory and operational requirements unique to the nuclear sector.

More about Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Nuclear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
Graduate Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Advanced Reactor Nuclear Engineer

Advanced Reactor Nuclear Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$114K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Idaho National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Job Description
Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an Advanced Reactor Nuclear Engineer to work on our Reactor Physics and Shielding team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Research and Education Campus in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.
As a Nuclear Engineer at INL, you'll be at the forefront of shaping the future of nuclear energy, leveraging cutting-edge research to develop the next generation of reactors and systems that power our nation and beyond. Your work will directly contribute to INL's legacy of innovation, from advancing space nuclear systems to modernizing critical infrastructure that secures our energy future. You'll explore revolutionary materials and technologies that push the boundaries of what's possible, ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in nuclear advancements. Collaborating with top scientists, you'll tackle complex technical challenges, from fuel cycle optimization to nonproliferation solutions, safeguarding America's scientific edge. By joining our team, you'll help drive INL's mission to pioneering solutions that redefine energy, national security, and technological excellence.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Develop experimental requirements or packaging and handling requirements for spent nuclear fuel.
  • Apply advanced nuclear engineering design principles, theories, and concepts.
  • Use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs.
  • Document designs to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
  • Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
  • Perform integrated analyses to meet experimental, storage, transportation, disposal, and facility safety requirements.
  • Defend analytical methods and results in reviews.
  • Support project/program interactions with sponsors, operations, and engineering organizations.
  • Develop and improve physics-based mathematical models and analysis methods.
  • Prepare reports and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Represent programs through technical presentations and at conferences.
  • Participate in professional development activities.
  • Perform analyses of irradiation experiments and conduct research supporting nuclear processes.
  • Support transformational fuel qualification efforts.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Level 3: Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and 5 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree (MS, PhD) and 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Level 4: Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's of Science in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program and 4 years of relevant experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance.
  • Knowledge of the following computer codes: MCNP6, SCALE6 (includes KENO, ORIGEN, TRITON, MAVRIC), OpenMC, Seprent, and the MOOSE-based code, Griffin.
  • Python, modern FORTRAN, C++, and other languages.
  • Previous experience performing research (graduate school, industry, or national lab) in advanced reactor design and multi-physics analysis.

The ideal candidate will possess:
  • Advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Experience in nuclear fuels and materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, core design, and analysis tools/methods.

Job Information:
  • The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288) / Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
  • TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About Us
Benefits and Relocation
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
  • Paid time off (personal leave)
  • Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
  • Comprehensive Relocation Package
  • Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.
INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission:
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.
INL Vision:
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
Selective Service Requirements:
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation:
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Other Information:
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.
INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

What Idaho National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Idaho National Laboratory logo

About Idaho National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Idaho National Laboratory is a leading multi-disciplinary national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defence. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, US, it operates under the management of Battelle Energy Alliance. Since its inception in 1949, the lab has remained at the forefront of nuclear energy innovations and advancements, providing critical scientific and technological inputs to support national priorities. Guided by its commitment to excellence, innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and integrity, the lab continues to play a vital role in driving America's nuclear and energy future.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Year founded

1949

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Idaho National Laboratory Jobs

Apply