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Nuclear Design Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Mount Vernon, IN · On-site

$79K - $119K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... Interface with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to manage change to component designs * Support ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Mount Vernon, IN · On-site

$79K - $119K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... Interface with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to manage change to component designs * Support ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Mount Vernon, IN · On-site

$70K - $103K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... Additionally, you will interface with both Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to manage ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Mount Vernon, IN · On-site

$70K - $103K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... Additionally, you will interface with both Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to manage ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Mount Vernon, IN · On-site

$70K - $103K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... Additionally, you will interface with both Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to manage ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... Additionally, you will interface with both Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to manage ...

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Nuclear Design Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$59

$80

$96

How much do nuclear design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear design engineer in Indiana is $80.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78.70 and $89.23 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 the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Indiana are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Indiana are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Nuclear Design Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,426 per year, or $81 per hour.

Naval Reactors Engineer - Officer Careers - IL, WI, IN, MI

South Bend, IN

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees

$4.0K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

This role is for candidates currently residing in northern illinois, northwest Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Penninsula.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

PAY AND BENEFITS

  • From the day you start, you’ll receive:
    • Competitive salary
    • Free health insurance
    • Free housing
    • A retirement plan
    • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to the best-in-class training and state-of-the-art facilities, current undergrad students who meet the prerequisite background will also get the chance to get paid while finishing school through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. Students in majors like mathematics, engineering, physics and chemistry may receive preferred acceptance into the program.

If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Naval Reactors Engineer, you can:

  • Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 18 months prior to your college graduation
  • Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000
  • Enjoy military health care benefits while you are a student in the program

Postgraduate Education Opportunities As a Naval Reactors Engineer, once you’re out of school you’ll have a position waiting as a respected professional and Officer affiliated with the most accomplished nuclear program on earth.

Beyond undergraduate and formal Navy training and education, you can pursue additional graduate education through the following:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges
  • Using Tuition Assistance to attend online or in-person graduate programs during shore assignments.
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
  • U.S. citizen between the ages of 19 and 29. Exceptions may be possible up to age 40.
  • Graduate or 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.
  • Additional academic requirements include:
    • Completed one academic year of calculus
    • Completed one academic year of calculus-based physics
    • A competitive GPA and a minimum grade of "B" in all technical courses

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

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Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

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

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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