1

Navy Nuclear Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$21.23/hr

S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as entry level ...

Crane Operator

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$32.24/hr

About Us Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization ... Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! * The ...

New

Crane Operator

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$32.24/hr

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose ... Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! * The ...

Senior Technologist

Niskayuna, NY · On-site

$78K - $120K/yr

S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our Work Window Planning ...

Crane Operator

Ballston Spa, NY · On-site

$40.69/hr

Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! The Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our Maintenance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Navy Nuclear Laboratory information

See salary details

$19

$51

$77

How much do navy nuclear laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for navy nuclear laboratory in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at the Navy Nuclear Laboratory, and why are they important?

To thrive at the Navy Nuclear Laboratory, you need a solid background in engineering, physics, or related scientific fields, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with nuclear reactor systems, specialized simulation software, and adherence to strict safety protocols is often required, along with security clearance. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this environment. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring technical excellence, and supporting the Navy’s critical nuclear propulsion programs.

What is the difference between Navy Nuclear Laboratory vs Navy Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNavy Nuclear LaboratoryNavy Nuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical degrees, specialized trainingSecurity clearance, nuclear propulsion training, certification
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, technical officesSubmarine or aircraft carrier nuclear propulsion plants
Employer & IndustryU.S. Navy, government researchU.S. Navy, military operations

The Navy Nuclear Laboratory focuses on research, development, and testing of nuclear propulsion systems, while Navy Nuclear Reactor Operators are responsible for operating and maintaining nuclear reactors aboard ships. Both roles require nuclear training and security clearance but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working at the Navy Nuclear Laboratory, and how are they typically addressed?

Engineers at the Navy Nuclear Laboratory often encounter complex technical challenges, such as maintaining strict safety standards while working with advanced nuclear technologies and navigating rigorous regulatory requirements. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is essential to solve these issues, and ongoing training programs help staff stay current with safety protocols and technological advancements. Supportive mentorship and structured problem-solving processes are commonly in place to help new engineers adapt and succeed in this demanding environment.

What is the Navy Nuclear Laboratory?

The Navy Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is a government-owned, contractor-operated organization responsible for the research, development, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the United States Navy's nuclear propulsion systems. NNL supports the Navy's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers by ensuring their reactors are safe, reliable, and effective. The laboratory also plays a key role in training Navy personnel and advancing nuclear technology to meet national security needs.

What does a Navy Nuclear Laboratory do?

A Navy Nuclear Laboratory conducts research, development, and testing related to nuclear propulsion and power systems for naval vessels. The role involves working with nuclear reactors, ensuring safety protocols, and supporting the maintenance and operation of nuclear technology in a secure environment. Employees often require specialized training and security clearances.
More about Navy Nuclear Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Navy Nuclear Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Navy Nuclear Laboratory job openings:
What states have the most Navy Nuclear Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Navy Nuclear Laboratory jobs include:
Infographic showing various Navy Nuclear Laboratory job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Nuclear Worker Technician

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$32.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated military and defense


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
Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a Nuclear Worker Technician position at their Naval Reactors Facility site in Idaho. Nuclear Worker Technicians perform the hands-on operation and maintenance of product-line equipment under the direction of a work controller. Daily activities may include:
• Nuclear material handling operations, transfers, dismantling, examining, and testing.
• Operation and maintenance of product line equipment required for receipt, discharge, loading, examination, testing, dismantling, or refurbishing of nuclear components and associated hardware.
• Cask handling operations, cask preparation for nuclear material removal, transfer, discharge, loading, preparation, and shipment.
• Installation and removal of equipment, components, and waste to support nuclear product line activities.
Nuclear Worker Technicians maintain multiple qualifications that require extensive training and examination. This position requires rotating shift work.
Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
• A minimum of two years post-high school education, equating to 48 credit hours of college-level studies; or Journeyman Papers
OR
• High school diploma or equivalent and 4 years' experience in a related field
OR
• Two years' Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program experience.
Preferred Skills
• Professional experience in industrial equipment operation and maintenance.
• Education and/or professional experience in a mechanical or nuclear field.
• Demonstrated leadership, professional growth, and professional skill development.
• Experience in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
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
$32.78 hourly
Jobs categorized as subject to a collective bargaining agreement will adhere to the pay rates, wage increases, progression schedules, and other parameters identified and negotiated in said agreements. Wages and other compensation details are subject to change based negotiated changes to the collective bargaining agreements.
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.

What Naval Nuclear Laboratory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom