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Nuclear Decommissioning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Badger, AK

$101K - $121K/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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Nuclear Decommissioning information

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How much do nuclear decommissioning jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear decommissioning 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 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 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 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 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.
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Nuclear Decommissioning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Decommissioning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 36% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) - AL, GA

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) - AL, GA

U.S. Navy

Valdosta, GA

$80K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

The most powerful energy sources in the world need the most powerful minds behind them. As a Nuclear Reactors Engineer, you’ll be responsible for researching, designing, maintaining, operating and regulating the nuclear reactors and power plants that drive the most advanced fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers on Earth. Here, you can fuel a passion for problem-solving by defining and redefining the cutting-edge of nuclear propulsion while setting the standard in nuclear reactor research and regulation. Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America’s Navy.

The wide array of technical areas involved in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program include:

  • Reactor and fluid systems design
  • Reactor physics
  • Materials development
  • Component design such as steam generators, pumps and valves
  • Instrumentation and control of reactor, steam and electric plants
  • Testing and quality control
  • Shielding
  • Chemistry and radiological controls

As a Navy Reactors Engineer stationed at Naval Reactors Headquarters in Washington, D.C., you will provide technical oversight while managing projects ranging from reactor design to fleet operations to de-fueling and decommissioning warships.

Preliminary training and eventual staff assignments center around Naval Reactors Headquarters at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. At Headquarters, you will be a part of an elite, streamlined staff of roughly 500 people who oversee the entire Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program from cradle to grave.​

Even junior-level Naval Reactors Engineers assume responsibility for key technical work in a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including:

  • Two Department of Energy laboratories
  • Two nuclear prototype/training sites
  • Nearly 100 nuclear-powered ships and submarines
  • Six shipyards
  • More than 1,000 firms that support the Naval Reactors Program
  • U.S. citizen between the ages of 19 and 29. Exceptions may be possible up to age 40.
  • Graduate or a current student pursuing a B.A., B.S., or M.S. (preferably major in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, or other technical areas).
  • Those still in school may apply as early as 18 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Naval Reactors Engineers.
  • Applicants may also join the NUPOC program as early as 12 months from completion of a master's degree.
  • Completed one academic year of calculus (minimum calculus I/II).
  • Completed one academic year of calculus-based physics (minimum physics I/II).
  • A competitive GPA of 3.0 or higher and a minimum grade of "B" in all technical courses.

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

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Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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