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Nuclear Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Director of Nuclear Science

Denver, CO · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

... into design guidance for engineering teams responsible for fusion system architecture ... PhD in Nuclear Science, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, or a closely related field.

... nuclear power plant electrical systems * You will work on challenging assignments that include ... Prepare engineering documentation for design input for drawing production. * Prepare and review ...

... nuclear power plant electrical systems * You will work on challenging assignments that include ... Prepare engineering documentation for design input for drawing production. * Prepare and review ...

... nuclear power plant electrical systems * You will work on challenging assignments that include ... Prepare engineering documentation for design input for drawing production. * Prepare and review ...

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Nuclear Design Engineer information

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$89

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How much do nuclear design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear design engineer in Colorado is $89.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86.97 and $98.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear design engineer?

A Nuclear Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing nuclear systems, components, or reactors. They work on fuel assemblies, shielding, cooling systems, and safety mechanisms to ensure efficient and secure nuclear operations. Their role involves applying physics, engineering principles, and regulatory standards to develop safe and effective nuclear technology. These engineers collaborate with scientists, regulatory bodies, and project teams to ensure compliance and innovation in nuclear energy or research applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear design engineer?

To thrive as a Nuclear Design Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard modeling software (such as MCNP or SCALE), CAD tools, and adherence to regulations like NRC or ASME codes are essential, and certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart in this field. These capabilities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant nuclear system designs that meet rigorous industry and safety standards.

What are some typical challenges a nuclear design engineer may encounter on the job?

Nuclear Design Engineers often face complex technical challenges, such as optimizing reactor core configurations for safety and efficiency, adhering to strict regulatory requirements, and ensuring accurate modeling of nuclear systems. They may also need to troubleshoot unexpected design issues, interpret extensive technical data, and keep up with advancements in nuclear technology and safety protocols. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and safety engineers—requires strong collaboration and communication. Navigating these challenges not only sharpens problem-solving skills but also contributes significantly to both personal professional development and the overall safety and success of nuclear projects.

How much do nuclear design engineers make?

Nuclear design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in CO?

For Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Design Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $186,118 per year, or $89.5 per hour.

Senior Staff Turbomachinery Engineer

Arvada, CO • On-site

Barber-Nichols, Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$150K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead a team of engineers to develop turbomachines from specification to flight qualified hardware.

  • Support the conceptualization, design, analysis, and testing of turbomachinery components to meet customer requirements.

  • Coordinate with manufacturing and procurement teams to ensure successful project execution and address manufacturing issues.


Job description

Description:

About Barber-Nichols:
Barber-Nichols (BN) is a premier provider of custom turbomachinery solutions serving the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy industries. Our team consists of industry leaders who collaborate closely with equally accomplished customers to deliver technologies that advance their markets and establish enduring partnerships. At BN, we foster a results-driven environment that values professional growth, rewards achievement, and supports innovation. From designing the blower for NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Saturn’s moon Titan to engineering critical components for the U.S. Navy’s MK-48 program, BN’s portfolio spans some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the world. For those seeking to contribute to impactful projects alongside a highly skilled team, BN offers an exceptional place to build your career.  


Position Summary:

The Senior Staff Turbomachinery Engineer will lead a team of engineers to develop clean sheet turbomachines from specification to flight qualified hardware for our most challenging applications. Recent projects our team has led include successfully testing a molten salt pump for next generation nuclear reactors on FLiBe, delivering a blower that will ride on NASA’s Dragonfly to Saturn’s moon Titan, development of a new oxygen fan and water pump for NASA, and successfully developing propellant turbopumps for multiple flight vehicles. The Senior Project Engineer is the technical lead for developing turbomachines for our customers with a focus on advanced energy, space, thermal management systems, defense and underwater propulsion systems that are the heart of our customer’s system.


Key Results Areas:

1) Resolve technical challenges through broad technical knowledge of turbomachinery and related electromechanical systems.

  • Understand customer needs to support the conceptualization of new turbomachine designs to optimize customer’s system performance.
  • Lead the technical engineering effort and apply engineering principles to define and analyze the design.
  • Perform increasingly challenging calculations involving heat transfer, structural and rotating component stress analysis, aerodynamics, cycle analysis, component sizing, etc.


2) Lead Barber-Nichols most challenging projects to meet all customer requirements, including technical capability, schedule milestones, and budgetary constraints, with only high-level oversight by Principal and Chief Engineers.

  • Develop project plans and hold accountability to ensure the product design is completed on-time and on-budget through execution of design reviews, development testing, and hardware qualification.
  • Direct and review the work of other engineers and mechanical designers in the layout and detailed design tasks to ensure a cost effective and manufacturable design.
  • Perform programmatic activities such as creating and maintaining project budgets, schedules and customer CDRls and SDRLs.


3) Effectively functions in a team environment to drive organizational success. Delegate work and provide oversight to more junior Project Engineers.

  • Coordinate with our on-site manufacturing and technician groups to ensure successful projects and address manufacturing issues as they arise.
  • Actively supports manufacturing and procurement during project execution.
  • Address manufacturing issues as they arise and help develop process improvements.
Requirements:

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, an individual must possess the knowledge, training, experience and abilities required.


Education and Training

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience working in high aptitude manufacturing environment.
  • Must have a focus on turbomachinery component design/selection for new product introduction.
  • Aptitude for project management (schedule, budget, risk, test, etc.)

Experience:

  • Minimum fifteen years combined experience with a focus on technical ownership of turbomachinery design and components.
  • Proven rotating machinery expertise and experience with associated systems.
  • Comprehensive understanding of rotating machinery design, analysis, test, and troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge in the following applicable areas of turbomachinery electromechanical design:
    • Mechanical (Rotordynamics, stress, thermal, bearings, seals)
    • Permanent Magnet Motor Design
    • Rotordynamics/ Vibrations

Other:

  • Must be willing to work overtime as required
  • Travel up to 10% of working time.

Desired Job Qualification:

  • Experience in Ansys and Solidworks.
  • Applicable training certificates (FEA, CFD, etc.) and successful completion of the Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) or Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) are desirable.
  • A Colorado State Professional Engineer License is desirable.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $185,000 and is commensurate with the applicant’s experience. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base for this position. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.


Barber-Nichols offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • FSA and HSA with company paid HSA quarterly contributions
  • Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with 4% Company Match and Profit Sharing
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM)
  • Generous PTO and Paid Holidays with an option to purchase additional PTO
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Performance-based bonus program
  • Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave

To view our full list of benefits, please visit Careers - Barber-Nichols.


ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. Security clearance is required for this position.


Equal Opportunity Employer:

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by law. Barber-Nichols will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 


Barber-Nichols participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.