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Nuclear Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

$63K - $111K/yr

NUCLEAR ENGINEER When it comes to what you want in your career, if you can imagine it, you can do ... Minimum Clearance to Start * Ability to obtain a DOE or DOE security clearance. Security Clearance ...

Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Nuclear Surety Engineer to provide critical ...

GU · On-site

$89K - $107K/yr

You will serve as a nuclear engineer responsible for developing the work instructions and ... Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a ...

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Nuclear Clearance information

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How much do nuclear clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear clearance 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.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers can earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in specialized roles or management positions. While some senior nuclear engineers or those in leadership roles may reach or exceed $500,000 annually, such earnings are not typical for entry-level or mid-career positions. Salary potential depends on factors like location, employer, and individual expertise.

What are nuclear clearance jobs?

Nuclear clearance jobs are positions that require individuals to obtain a security clearance in order to access sensitive or classified information related to nuclear materials, facilities, or programs. These roles are common in government agencies, defense contractors, and organizations involved in nuclear energy or weapons. Employees must undergo a thorough background check and adhere to strict security protocols to ensure the safety and confidentiality of nuclear information. The level of clearance required can vary depending on the specific job responsibilities and the type of information handled.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals working in roles that require nuclear clearance?

Professionals in positions requiring nuclear clearance often encounter unique challenges such as stringent security protocols, limited access to certain information, and regular background checks. Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to detailed compliance standards are essential, and the work environment is typically highly regulated with access controls. Collaboration often requires coordination with other cleared colleagues, and communication must follow strict guidelines to prevent security breaches. These roles can be demanding, but they offer the opportunity to work on critical projects with significant national importance.

What is the difference between Nuclear Clearance vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectNuclear ClearanceNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, background checksTechnical certifications, training programs
Work EnvironmentSecure government or contractor facilitiesPower plants, laboratories, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense contractorsEnergy companies, nuclear facilities

While Nuclear Clearance refers to the security authorization needed to access classified nuclear information or sites, Nuclear Technicians are skilled workers who perform technical tasks in nuclear facilities. Having a clearance is often a prerequisite for nuclear technicians, but the roles differ: clearance is about security access, whereas technicians focus on operational tasks.

How hard is it to get Q clearance?

Q clearance is a high-level security clearance required for access to classified information related to national security. Obtaining it involves a thorough background check, including interviews, financial review, and a polygraph exam, and can take several months to process. Candidates must demonstrate trustworthiness, reliability, and a clean record to be approved.

What clearance does Elon Musk have?

Elon Musk, as a private individual and CEO of multiple companies, does not publicly hold a government security clearance related to nuclear or classified government projects. Job roles in nuclear clearance typically require specific government background checks and clearances such as Top Secret or higher, which are granted based on employment in government or defense-related positions, not personal affiliations or corporate leadership roles. Therefore, there is no publicly available information indicating Elon Musk has any government nuclear clearance.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the nuclear clearance field, high-paying roles such as senior nuclear engineers, nuclear project managers, and security directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced technical knowledge, security clearances, and management skills, and may involve overseeing nuclear facilities or sensitive projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Nuclear Clearance position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Nuclear Clearance position, candidates must possess a strong background in security protocols, risk assessment, and typically hold relevant degrees or experience in defense, engineering, or security-related fields. Familiarity with classified information handling systems, background investigation processes, and security clearance procedures is crucial. Integrity, discretion, attention to detail, and strong judgment are vital soft skills for managing sensitive information and maintaining trust. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure national security, prevent unauthorized access, and protect critical infrastructure.
More about Nuclear Clearance jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Clearance jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Clearance jobs are:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Clearance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Lead Nuclear Effects Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

Bedford, MA • On-site

$103K - $124K/yr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 439 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. MITRE's Nuclear Weapon Systems and C2 Platforms Department is seeking a lead engineer to make critical contributions in understanding the effects of natural radiation and nuclear events on relevant systems. Our department leads a dynamic work program focused on accelerating the evolution of the United States' nuclear deterrent capabilities, provides threat-informed data-driven modernization recommendations, prototypes, and analyses that accelerate the fielding of warfighter capability and allow for the cost-effective modernization of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) and Nuclear Weapon Systems. This position will have a unique opportunity to support design and mitigation strategies to develop and field a survivable weapon system with operational requirements involving the following nuclear threat environments: Electromagnetic Pulse, Ionizing Radiation, Thermal Radiation, Air-Blast and Radiological exposure. Roles & Responsibilities: * Analyze nuclear effects on aircraft, spacecraft and communications systems to support development of all nuclear hardness system level design, including system level analysis and testing.
* Generate weapon system design criteria supported by design analysis, modeling & simulation, equipment and system-level trade studies, system integration, piece-part, component, equipment, and system test artifacts.
* Execute the analysis and/or evaluation/validation of components, equipment, subsystems, or weapon system analytical models and actual system implementation for weapons compliance to operationally relevant nuclear threat environments.
* Contribute to and review NH&S Design Analysis Reports (DAR) and nuclear hardness system test plans and reports documenting equipment compliance and weapon system certification.
* Conduct essential design evaluations and provide technical assessments on systems survivability by understanding system responses to nuclear events by utilizing home-developed and third-party software/physics codes on effects of radiation, electromagnetic pulses and/or electromagnetic interference.
* Technical planning, specification requirements derivation, test and analysis, design, planning and execution, documentation, and requirements/validation supporting overall system compliance. * Evaluate uncertainty and risks associated with rad-hard requirements and design mitigation strategies. Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a B.S degree in Engineering or Physics related field, or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
* Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of particle physics, solar physics, or nuclear physics.
* Strong mathematical and statistical background.
* Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
* Working knowledge of nuclear weapons effects and resulting Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE) and Electromagnetic pulse on DoD and commercial systems. * Experience with electrical circuit rad-hard design and test including piece-part screening, analysis, modeling, and test of component and systems for radiation environment compliance i.e. prompt dose rate, total ionizing dose, neutron displacement damage, neutron induced upset, single event effects.
* Knowledge of Circumvention & Recovery techniques for component, circuit, equipment subsystems compliance and weapon system level probabilistic performance assessments during pre/trans and post nuclear weapon environment exposure. * Travel up to 20% of the time as needed
* Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
* Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
* This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
* Nuclear Command, Control & Communication weapon system survivability design experience.
* Analysis experience with radiation environments including man-made and natural space environment.
* Experience in leading technical projects in the area of nuclear physics.
* Experience with transport problems in atmosphere or within structures.
* Experience and/or familiarity with the following standards and handbooks: DODI 3150.09, MIL-STD-1766, AFWL-TR-86-26, MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-3023, MIL-STD-2169, MIL-STD-461, MIL-HDBK-814, MIL-HDBK-815, MIL-HDBK-816, MIL-HDBK-817, MIL-STD-3054.
* Experience and/or familiarity with the following engineering software/tools: ANSYS (EMC Plus, Charge Plus), CST, FEKO, MATLAB, SPIET -D, ASSIST, NORSE, FAB4DA, MCNP, CEPXS, IRENE or similar. This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$156,400 - $195,500 - $234,600 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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