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Hourly Nuclear Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$166 - $253/hr

PE license * Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from ... The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate ...

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Hourly Nuclear Plant information

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$18

$33

$61

How much do hourly nuclear plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly nuclear plant in the United States is $33.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $60.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hourly Nuclear Plant vs Nuclear Power Plant Operator?

AspectHourly Nuclear PlantNuclear Power Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires NRC licenses, technical certificationsRequires NRC licenses, operational certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plant facilities, control rooms, maintenance areasControl rooms, plant floors, safety zones
Employer & Industry UsagePower generation companies, utilitiesUtility companies, energy providers
Job FocusHourly workers performing maintenance, safety checksOperators managing plant operations, safety protocols

Both roles are essential in nuclear power plants, with the Hourly Nuclear Plant often referring to hourly-paid maintenance or support staff, while Nuclear Power Plant Operators focus on running and controlling the plant's systems. The main differences lie in job responsibilities and certifications, but both work within the same industry environment.

What cities are hiring for Hourly Nuclear Plant jobs?

Cities with the most Hourly Nuclear Plant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Plant jobs?

The most popular types of Nuclear Plant jobs are:

What states have the most Hourly Nuclear Plant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hourly Nuclear Plant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hourly Nuclear Plant job openings in the United States 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 $69,481 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. 

  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering
  • You will be preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs
  • While supporting clients and project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
  • Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
  • Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
  • Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of design
Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in the nuclear power industry
  • All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential
  • Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
  • Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
  • PE License
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
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 & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-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$84,762 - $129,498Transparency StatementSargent & 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!

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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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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

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