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Junior Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Engineer will provide technical support for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and ... Mentor Junior Nuclear Safety Analysts in Safety Basis development and maintenance. Ensure the ...

The Engineer will provide technical support for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and ... Mentor Junior Nuclear Safety Analysts in Safety Basis development and maintenance. * Ensure the ...

The Engineer will provide technical support for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and ... Mentor Junior Nuclear Safety Analysts in Safety Basis development and maintenance. * Ensure the ...

The Engineer will provide technical support for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and ... Mentor Junior Nuclear Safety Analysts in Safety Basis development and maintenance. * Ensure the ...

The Engineer will provide technical support for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and ... Mentor Junior Nuclear Safety Analysts in Safety Basis development and maintenance. * Ensure the ...

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Junior Nuclear Engineer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior nuclear engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Nuclear Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Nuclear Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related discipline. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation software, radiation safety protocols, and relevant certifications like Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration in the highly technical and regulated nuclear industry.

What kinds of projects and tasks can a Junior Nuclear Engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Junior Nuclear Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as assisting with reactor design modifications, supporting safety analysis, and participating in routine inspections or maintenance planning. You'll work closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to learn industry protocols, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Your daily responsibilities may include data collection, drafting technical reports, running simulations, and contributing to troubleshooting sessions. This hands-on exposure provides a strong foundation for career advancement and deeper expertise in the nuclear field.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or high-cost-of-living areas.

What does a Junior Nuclear Engineer do?

A Junior Nuclear Engineer assists senior engineers in designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear systems such as reactors, power plants, or medical equipment. Their responsibilities often include conducting research, performing safety analyses, preparing technical reports, and helping ensure compliance with regulations. They may also participate in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, as well as supporting upgrades and efficiency improvements. Junior Nuclear Engineers typically work under supervision while gaining experience and developing their expertise in the field.

What is the difference between Junior Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectJunior Nuclear EngineerNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related field; some roles may require licensing or certificationsAssociate degree or technical certification in nuclear technology or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development tasks in research facilities, power plants, or laboratoriesOperational tasks, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures in nuclear power plants or labs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, power plants, and research institutionsCommonly employed in nuclear power plants, maintenance facilities, and testing sites

Junior Nuclear Engineers focus on designing and analyzing nuclear systems, requiring a bachelor's degree and some certifications. Nuclear Technicians handle operational and maintenance tasks, often with technical diplomas. While both work in nuclear environments, their roles differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Junior Nuclear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Nuclear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Nuclear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Nuclear Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Engineer V Civil/Structural - Nuclear

Engineer V Civil/Structural - Nuclear

Zachry Group

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Zachry Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 78 rated construction


Job description

Zachry Nuclear Engineering, Inc. (ZNE) is currently seeking an Engineer V for a direct hire position for our Stonington, CT or Charlotte, NC office. Openings for civil/structural, electrical, I&C and mechanical engineering. This is an in-office position in either our Stonington, CT or Charlotte, NC office. This position is not remote.

Position Synopsis: Individual will be relied upon to perform a variety of engineering and design activities involving power plant upgrades and/or new power plant projects. The individual should have extensive experience with power plant systems, components, and structures related to their engineering discipline. The individual will be responsible for planning, organizing, and preparing modifications and shall be capable of independently evaluating, selecting, and using standards, techniques, procedures and criteria for technical projects. The individual must be familiar with codes and standards applicable to the nuclear power industry as well as possess a working knowledge of applicable NRC regulations. Typical activities include developing specifications and/or modification packages, defining design scope, developing design criteria documents, identifying, and selecting equipment and instruments, and developing system functionality.

The position includes managing budget, scope schedule and quality associated with the designated work assignment with minimal guidance and technical oversight. Position will require the ability to devise new approaches to technical problems with a broad knowledge of precedents in the industry. The position will require interfacing and coordinating with multiple design disciplines as well as with the customer's representatives. The individual must be able to work on project teams with other engineers to evaluate conditions as well as proposed modifications which will improve plant performance, safety, and reliability. The individual must have experience in reviewing and checking designs, drawings and data prepared by other engineers. Managing project teams as well as providing mentoring oversight to entry level and junior engineers will be required.

Education Required (minimum): BS (in applicable degree for discipline position) from an ABET accredited engineering program.

Experience Required (minimum): 20 years (minimum) of related experience. At least 10 of those years with nuclear commercial power plant experience and actual field experience on nuclear plant projects. Experience with operating plant procedures, processes, and nuclear plant licensing.

Other Required Qualifications (minimum): All applicants must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, is required. Effective time management skills are required as position may involve working on several projects concurrently. Individuals will be required to understand and comply with company policies, procedures, and processes. Ability to pass security and drug screening and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access is required. Overtime work is required at times. Travel is required to client sites with occasional periods of field/office work. Ability to perform walk downs of equipment in an industrial plant environment, to include climbing ladders, accessing security-controlled areas, and entering confined spaces and controlled hazardous areas is required.

Education Desired: MS (in applicable degree for the discipline position) from an ABET accredited engineering program is desirable.

Certification(s) or License(s) Desired: Professional Engineering registration (PE) is desirable.

Certain positions at Zachry Nuclear may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. If applicable to the position, the capability of a candidate to comply with such laws will be taken into consideration by Zachry Nuclear in its hiring processes.

Zachry Nuclear Engineering, Inc. maintains a drug free workplace. 

Zachry Nuclear Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled 

Note: Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Education Required (minimum): BS (in applicable degree for discipline position) from an ABET accredited engineering program.

Experience Required (minimum): 20 years (minimum) of related experience. At least 10 of those years with nuclear commercial power plant experience and actual field experience on nuclear plant projects. Experience with operating plant procedures, processes, and nuclear plant licensing.

Other Required Qualifications (minimum): All applicants must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, is required. Effective time management skills are required as position may involve working on several projects concurrently. Individuals will be required to understand and comply with company policies, procedures, and processes. Ability to pass security and drug screening and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access is required. Overtime work is required at times. Travel is required to client sites with occasional periods of field/office work. Ability to perform walk downs of equipment in an industrial plant environment, to include climbing ladders, accessing security-controlled areas, and entering confined spaces and controlled hazardous areas is required.

Education Desired: MS (in applicable degree for the discipline position) from an ABET accredited engineering program is desirable.

Certification(s) or License(s) Desired: Professional Engineering registration (PE) is desirable.

Individual will be relied upon to perform a variety of engineering and design activities involving power plant upgrades and/or new power plant projects. The individual should have extensive experience with power plant systems, components, and structures related to their engineering discipline. The individual will be responsible for planning, organizing, and preparing modifications and shall be capable of independently evaluating, selecting, and using standards, techniques, procedures and criteria for technical projects. The individual must be familiar with codes and standards applicable to the nuclear power industry as well as possess a working knowledge of applicable NRC regulations. Typical activities include developing specifications and/or modification packages, defining design scope, developing design criteria documents, identifying, and selecting equipment and instruments, and developing system functionality.

The position includes managing budget, scope schedule and quality associated with the designated work assignment with minimal guidance and technical oversight. Position will require the ability to devise new approaches to technical problems with a broad knowledge of precedents in the industry. The position will require interfacing and coordinating with multiple design disciplines as well as with the customer's representatives. The individual must be able to work on project teams with other engineers to evaluate conditions as well as proposed modifications which will improve plant performance, safety, and reliability. The individual must have experience in reviewing and checking designs, drawings and data prepared by other engineers. Managing project teams as well as providing mentoring oversight to entry level and junior engineers will be required.


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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924