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Nuclear Decommissioning Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Henderson, TN

$68K - $82K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Bolivar, TN

$88K - $105K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lakesite, TN

$81K - $97K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Jefferson City, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lebanon, TN

$95K - $113K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Saltillo, TN

$79K - $94K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Puryear, TN

$78K - $94K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Niota, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Plainview, TN

$82K - $98K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lakeland, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Riceville, TN

$79K - $95K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lewisburg, TN

$90K - $108K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lafayette, TN

$88K - $106K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Midtown, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Baxter, TN

$83K - $100K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Ripley, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer

Franklin, TN

$97K - $116K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Decommissioning information

See Tennessee salary details

$17

$47

$70

How much do nuclear decommissioning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear decommissioning in Tennessee is $47.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.58 and $56.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear decommissioning?

Nuclear decommissioning is the process of safely closing and dismantling nuclear power plants or facilities that have reached the end of their operational life. This involves removing radioactive materials, decontaminating equipment and structures, and safely managing waste to protect people and the environment. The process can take decades and requires careful planning, regulatory approval, and specialized expertise to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards.

What are nuclear decommissioning jobs?

Working a nuclear decommissioning job means you help handle the responsibilities surrounding the closing and termination of a nuclear power plant. You can be a decommissioning program manager where you manage, coordinate, and direct the overall process to dismantle a reactor and plant. A decommissioning engineer is part of the consulting team during the shutdown. A decommissioning and dismantlement operations manager focuses on the day to day plan and operations. You can also be a nuclear decommissioning operative, a decommissioning support analyst, and more. Decommissioning a nuclear site is a delicate operation and takes many competent professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in nuclear decommissioning, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nuclear Decommissioning, you need strong knowledge of nuclear engineering, health physics, and safety regulations, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in the nuclear sector. Familiarity with radiation detection instruments, decontamination technology, and specialized project management software is often required, along with certifications like NEBOSH or specific radiological safety credentials. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are critical for coordinating complex tasks and maintaining safety. These skills ensure that decommissioning projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in nuclear decommissioning projects?

Professionals in nuclear decommissioning often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict safety and regulatory requirements, managing complex logistics for hazardous material removal, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. The work environment is highly controlled and emphasizes safety protocols, which can add layers of procedure to daily tasks. Additionally, projects may be long-term and require adapting to evolving technologies and regulatory updates, making ongoing training and flexibility essential for success.

What is the difference between Nuclear Decommissioning vs Nuclear Plant Operator?

AspectNuclear DecommissioningNuclear Plant Operator
CertificationsRadiation safety, environmental cleanup, decommissioning licensesReactor operation, safety, and control certifications
Work EnvironmentDecommissioning sites, contaminated areas, cleanup zonesReactor control rooms, plant facilities, operational areas
Industry UsageDecommissioning projects, environmental remediationDaily plant operations, safety monitoring

While both roles involve working in nuclear facilities, Nuclear Decommissioning focuses on safely shutting down and dismantling nuclear plants after their operational life, emphasizing environmental cleanup and safety procedures. Nuclear Plant Operators manage daily reactor operations, ensuring safety and efficiency during active plant operation. The roles differ mainly in their focus: decommissioning involves dismantling and environmental work, whereas plant operators oversee ongoing plant functions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Decommissioning jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Nuclear Decommissioning jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Decommissioning job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,990 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Large Components Decontamination Manager

Energy Solutions

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


EnergySolutions rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description


Job Description/Tasks/Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Participate in the design, installation, commissioning, and operation of a chemical decontamination system to be installed at the EnergySolutions Memphis facility.
  • Develop operational procedures, safety protocols, and performance metrics.
  • Oversee day-to-day plant operations once operational, ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards.
  • Build, lead, and mentor a cross-disciplinary operations team.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, safety, compliance, and project management.
  • Drive operational improvements and ensure alignment with corporate objectives.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Chemical, Nuclear, or Systems Engineering preferred).
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in operations management within chemical processing, nuclear decommissioning, or decontamination facilities.
  • Strong technical foundation in plant operations; design experience preferred.
  • Track record of building and developing effective teams.
  • Nuclear experience preferred but not required.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment
  • Full-time, on-site in Memphis, TN.
  • Industrial plant environment requiring use of PPE.
  • Standard Monday-Friday schedule; occasional flexibility may be required.
  • Limited travel may be required.

Job Requirements/Skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft office
  • intermediate knowledge of industry codes and regulations

Physical/Mental Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Ability to carry up to 15 pounds; handle and reach below shoulder
  • Ability to use hands to accomplish tasks as assigned
  • Ability to effectively communicate; pass audiogram in hearing conservation program as required by location
  • Ability to see close and distance and basic colors/shades
  • Ability to work alone, interact with the public, and perform under deadline pressure
  • Ability to work outdoor and indoor activities under various conditions
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification Requirements Education
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Required Experience
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience

Preferred Experience
  • Experience in operations management within chemical processing, nuclear decommissioning, or nuclear decontamination facilities

EnergySolutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Apply Online at: jobs.energysolutions.com
Meet Your Recruiter
John Haygood

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