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Naval Reactor Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will work hands-on with a multidisciplinary team of nuclear engineers, I&C specialists, and ... Experience with small modular reactors (SMRs), research reactors, or naval reactors is preferred

You will work hands-on with a multidisciplinary team of nuclear engineers, I&C specialists, and ... Experience with small modular reactors (SMRs), research reactors, or naval reactors is preferred

You will work hands-on with a multidisciplinary team of nuclear engineers, I&C specialists, and ... Experience with small modular reactors (SMRs), research reactors, or naval reactors is preferred

Licensed as Senior Reactor Operator or Naval equivalent. * Hands-on experience in developing technical procedures, human factors engineering, or operational interface design. * Prior operations ...

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Naval Reactor Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do naval reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval reactor engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 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 are Naval Reactor Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Naval Reactor Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Naval Reactor Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Naval Reactor Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Naval Reactor Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Naval Reactor Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Naval Reactor Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Associate Nuclear Engineer and Physicist

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY • On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 hours ago


Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description Are you interested in learning about the nuclear power propulsion systems on the US Navy's aircraft carriers and submarines?

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking an entry level engineer to join the Fleet Reactor Engineering department to lead evaluations of a wide range of nuclear reactor operations and transients. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of how many different reactor designs operate while developing analytical skills that support our important mission and keep our sailors, the public, and the environment safe. There are multiple openings in several units associated with this posting.

The successful candidate's duties could include, but are not limited to: thermal hydraulic model development and analysis, researching and developing probabilistic models for reactor plant safety, understanding and communicating nuclear plant accident progression, developing scripts to run our models and post-process results, working productively and efficiently with a team of knowledgeable professionals to document different analyses, and understanding and communicating results to coworkers, managers, and Naval Reactors. NNL develops and supports the world's safest and most advanced reactor plants and as an engineer in the Fleet Reactor Engineering department, your contributions will be directly tied to this important mission! Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field.

Preferred Skills Experience with thermal-hydraulic analysis, scripting, and coding preferably with reactor safety computer codes such as RELAP5-3D or MELCOR or post-processing in MATLAB or Python; Strong interest in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and other related subjects; Ability to understand large/complex systems including fluids, heat transfer, instrumentation and control systems, and electrical components; Strong written and verbal communications skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits! Pay Range $63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A.

Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations.

For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.

FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law.

Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana. Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.