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Naval Reactor Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Reactor Operations Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Reactor Operations Engineer, you will provide operational insights and guidance to design ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Reactor Operations Engineer, you will provide operational insights and guidance to design ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Reactor Operations Engineer, you will provide operational insights and guidance to design ...

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Naval Reactor Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$110.7K

$201.3K

How much do naval reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval reactor engineer in Virginia is $110,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by naval reactor engineers when working on a submarine or aircraft carrier?

Naval Reactor Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex systems in confined spaces and ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability under demanding conditions. They must quickly troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, often while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including operations, maintenance, and command staff. Additionally, adapting to the unique work environment—such as extended periods at sea and strict security protocols—requires strong communication skills and resilience. These challenges offer valuable experience and growth opportunities for engineers interested in advanced nuclear technology and leadership roles.

What is a naval reactor engineer?

Naval Reactor Engineers are specialized engineers responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the safe operation of nuclear reactors on naval vessels, such as submarines and aircraft carriers. Their duties include ensuring reactor safety, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting refueling or decommissioning processes. They work closely with the U.S. Navy and other government agencies to uphold strict safety and regulatory standards. These engineers play a vital role in ensuring that naval nuclear propulsion systems operate efficiently and reliably. Typically, a background in nuclear, mechanical, or electrical engineering is required for this career.

What is the difference between Naval Reactor Engineer vs Nuclear Power Plant Engineer?

AspectNaval Reactor EngineerNuclear Power Plant Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, security clearance, nuclear certificationsEngineering degree, nuclear certifications, licensing
Work EnvironmentSubmarine or aircraft carrier nuclear propulsion systemsCommercial nuclear power plants
Industry UsageMilitary, defense, naval vesselsEnergy, utilities, commercial power generation
Common Search IntentNaval nuclear systems, military nuclear engineeringCommercial nuclear power, energy sector careers

Naval Reactor Engineers focus on designing, maintaining, and operating nuclear propulsion systems for military vessels, often requiring security clearances. In contrast, Nuclear Power Plant Engineers work in civilian energy facilities, managing commercial nuclear reactors. Both roles demand specialized nuclear certifications and engineering expertise, but they differ in work environment and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a naval reactor engineer?

To thrive as a Naval Reactor Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mechanical or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with reactor simulation software, CAD tools, and familiarity with nuclear regulatory standards and certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient design, maintenance, and operation of naval nuclear propulsion systems.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Naval Reactor Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Naval Reactor Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Naval Reactor Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,674 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Reactor Operations Engineer

BWX Technologies

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

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


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.
BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.
If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.
Position Overview:
As our Reactor Operations Engineer, you will provide operational insights and guidance to design engineers to ensure the development of reactor technologies employ operational principals. This position will participate in development of reactor plant operating strategies, concepts, and procedures, and will be deeply embedded with all aspects of reactor design and development activities to ensure systems integration and functionality meet the requirements for safe, efficient, and reliable operations. This role will also provide support to terrestrial, maritime, microreactor, and space reactor projects.
Location:
On-site in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office
Your Day to Day as an Reactor Operations Engineer:
  • Lead the development and implementation of reactor operating strategies.
  • Lead the development of the reactor concept of operations to describe the use of the system from the perspective of the reactor operator, encompassing all modes of operation.
  • Lead the preparation of reactor operating procedures, including normal and off-normal conditions and events, surveillance procedures, alarm response procedures, etc.
  • Lead the development and preparation of nuclear operations and engineering training materials.
  • Integrate and coordinate across disciplines to implement operating approaches for safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
  • Support reactor simulator development, to include interfacing with multiple organizations and contractors, aggregating design data, and developing scenarios for evaluations.
  • Support development of control algorithms for semi-autonomous and/or manual operations.
  • Support the evaluation of integrated plant response to various events, accidents, and malfunctions.
  • Support the design of plant control and monitoring interfaces, including the Human Machine Interface in the control room as well as other operator interfaces.
  • Develop operations training material for internal and external customer use.
  • Collaborate with designers for optimized maintainability of the systems.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide feedback from an operations and maintenance perspective.

Required Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or physics is required.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of experience in nuclear operations or engineering is required; on-the-job training in nuclear operations does not count toward the experience requirement.
  • Must be familiar with the interrelationships and dependencies of reactor systems, encompassing nuclear, mechanical, I&C and electrical systems - and their response as an integrated power plant system.
  • Must be familiar with the operation and maintenance of reactor equipment.
  • Must have demonstrated ability to collaborate through influence within matrixed organizations.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • SRO or RO license from a civilian nuclear power plant, or EWS/EOOW qualification from the U.S. Navy.
  • Prior experience with the development and implementation of control schemes for nuclear plant operations in normal and off-normal conditions.
  • Nuclear Operations Training experience.
  • Nuclear Reactor Simulator Design and maintenance experience.
  • Familiarity with high temperature gas reactor technologies.
  • Experience in the design of fluid systems.
  • Experience in the design of I&C systems.
  • Experience in the design of electrical systems.
  • Experience working with U.S. Government customer (e.g., DOD, DOE, NASA).

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $86,000.00 - $157,000.00
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $86,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.

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