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Nuclear Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$97K - $132K/yr

Deliver structural and seismic design for complex buildings and safety-critical facilities within the defence, research and nuclear sectors. * Undertake advanced structural analysis, including ...

Nuclear Engineer

Montclair, VA

$99K - $118K/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

Waverly, VA

$96K - $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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Greenville, VA

$91K - $109K/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

Martinsville, VA

$92K - $111K/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

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/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

Nokesville, VA

$93K - $112K/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

Kenbridge, VA

$98K - $118K/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

Woodlawn, VA

$111K - $133K/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

Wise, VA

$98K - $117K/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

Chesapeake, VA

$95K - $114K/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

Lexington, VA

$86K - $104K/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

Mcgaheysville, VA

$92K - $110K/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

Fairfax, VA

$97K - $117K/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

Blackstone, VA

$102K - $122K/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

Vienna, VA

$98K - $118K/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

Norton, VA

$99K - $118K/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

Oakton, VA

$99K - $119K/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 Design information

See Virginia salary details

$61

$84

$100

How much do nuclear design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear design in Virginia is $84.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81.97 and $92.93 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, or working in specialized roles such as nuclear plant management or research. While some senior or highly specialized nuclear engineers may reach or exceed $500,000 annually, the average salary is typically lower, around $100,000 to $150,000 per year. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires significant experience, leadership positions, or working in high-paying industries or locations.

What is a nuclear designer?

A nuclear designer is a professional responsible for developing and analyzing nuclear reactor designs, ensuring they meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards. They often use specialized software and require knowledge of nuclear physics, engineering principles, and safety protocols to create effective reactor systems.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced nuclear engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or with specialized expertise, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in high-demand or high-responsibility environments.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

The highest paying nuclear jobs are typically senior reactor operators, nuclear engineers, and nuclear project managers, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience working in nuclear power plants or related facilities.

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

To excel in Nuclear Design, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering or a related field, with expertise in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and safety analysis. Familiarity with specialized software such as MCNP, SCALE, and AutoCAD, as well as adherence to regulatory standards and possibly a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving, and clear communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting complex concepts. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and innovation of nuclear systems in a highly regulated industry.

What is a Nuclear Design job?

A Nuclear Design job involves developing and optimizing nuclear systems, such as reactors, fuel assemblies, and shielding structures, to ensure efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. Engineers in this field use advanced simulations, computational models, and experimental data to refine designs for energy production, medical applications, or research purposes. They collaborate with physicists, material scientists, and regulatory bodies to improve performance and minimize environmental impact.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Nuclear Design?

In a Nuclear Design role, your daily tasks may include performing reactor core calculations, analyzing system performance, preparing technical documentation, and collaborating with engineers from other disciplines to refine designs. You might also participate in regular meetings to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements and review modeling data to optimize reactor configurations. The work is often collaborative, involving tight coordination among project managers, safety specialists, and regulatory authorities. This variety can be both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to solve complex technical issues while contributing to the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Nuclear Design jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Design job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 82% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,481 per year, or $84.4 per hour.
Associate to Staff Engineer - Civil Design Surry

Associate to Staff Engineer - Civil Design Surry

Dominion Energy

Surry, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Dominion Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 52 rated energy and utility


Job description

Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we're looking for you. You won't just find a job here; you'll find your career. Review the position below and apply today.
Military service members and veterans with ranks from E5-E9, W1-CW5, or O3-O6, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity.
At this time, Dominion Energy cannot transfer or sponsor a work visa or employment authorization for this position.
Job Summary
The Nuclear Design Engineering department at Surry Nuclear Power Station in Surry, Virginia is seeking a Civil Design Associate Engineer, Engineer, Senior Engineer, or Staff Engineer. This position will be filled at a level commensurate with the successful candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating design modifications to nuclear plant systems including the preparation and review of
  • Design modification packages using the standard design process
  • Site/System/Construction drawings
  • Calculations and analysis to support modification and operation of plant systems
  • Impact on plant design and licensing basis

Additionally perform field support for inspections of plant equipment and structures
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience
The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required for this job include the following: Associate Engineer: 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience; Engineer: 2+ years of relevant engineering experience; Senior Engineer: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience; Staff Engineer: 8+ years of relevant engineering experience. The candidate should have a commitment to safety and quality assurance in all aspects of design and operations at the station
-Extensive knowledge of engineering theories, principles, and practices to a broad variety of assignments and related field.
-Extensive skilled in use of advanced techniques and modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of the field and related sciences and disciplines.
-Full Knowledge of business/financial and contractual matters.
-Recognized expert by other engineers and management in assigned area.
-Provides expert technical advice to other engineers and management in assigned area.
-Skilled in the use of advanced engineering techniques.
-Strong planning and project management skills.
-Strong technical and organizational leadership skills.
-Strong oral and written communication skills (includes technical writing).
-In depth knowledge of various computer applications, with the ability to manipulate personal computer applications and perform engineering calculations using applicable software programs (e.g., Matlab, Excel, etc.).
-Proven decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply codes, regulations, and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks.
-Equally effective working independently or in team environment
Nuclear employees: Must have at least one year of Nuclear power experience.
REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA:
For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met:
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program based on the year that the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own Engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or
Possess a 4-year degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate Engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same Engineering discipline is ABET-accredited based on the year the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license.
Preferred Quals:
Familiarity with regulatory requirements for commercial nuclear power plants, including those from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). Experience with performing 10 CFR 50.59 screens and evaluations. Nuclear Design Engineering experience with relevant analytical capabilities
Previously qualified or ability to qualify in the Standard Design Process, Engineering Calculations, Specifications and similar Nuclear Qualifications
Professional Engineering license, Civil Engineering
Familiarity with Crane design and applications including NUREG-0612
Experience with foundation, steel and concrete structure, pipe support, pipe stress, and rigging
An understanding of Engineering Specifications (Procurement, Design, Installation, etc.)
Knowledge of ASCE, AISC and ACI Codes
Knowledge of primary systems (NSSS) and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems
Education Requirements
Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree):
Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, structural concentration preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description
Note: Dominion Energy minimum experience and education requirements may exceed stated ANSI standards and candidates must meet the Dominion Energy minimum requirements.
For Nuclear employees, this ANSI standard must be met, all of which is met or exceeded in the Engineer series job summaries with the exception of the Nuclear Power experience requirement of at least 1 year:
ANSI/ANS-3.1-2014, Section 4.6.1 Education requirements: Baccalaureate or associate degree in engineering or related science. Minimum experience for the position: Related experience which shall include 2 years; Nuclear power plant experience to include 1 year.
Working Conditions
Cold Up to 25%
Dust / Grease / Oil Up to 25%
Energized Wires Up to 25%
Fumes Up to 25%
Heat Up to 25%
Loud Noise Up to 25%
Office Work Environment 76 -100%
Outdoors Up to 25%
Pressurized Lines & Valves Up to 25%
Radiation Up to 25%
Travel Up to 25%
Other Working Conditions
Test Description
No Testing Required
Export Control
Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
What You'll Get
Expected Hiring Base Salary Range:
Associate Engineer: $73200 - $95000
Engineer: $81900 - $106400
Sr Engineer: $90900 - $118100
Staff Engineer: $102300 - $132800
The expected hiring base salary range is the range we anticipate hiring within for this position. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as the selected candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, and work location. This is not intended to represent the full salary range for the position or limit future compensation growth.
At Dominion Energy, we offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes: health, dental, and vision benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans including 401k contributions and matches, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, bonus eligibility, sick leave, and disability insurance. To learn more about our benefits, click here: dombenefits.com.
Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability.
You can experience the excitement of our company - it's the difference between taking a job and starting a career.
Top 3 Reasons to Work at Dominion Energy
There are many reasons to work at Dominion Energy, but below are the top three reasons employees have shared with us. Click on each of the links to learn more!
1. Safety Centric Work Environment
2. Generous Pay and Benefits
3. Collaborative & Inclusive Culture

About Dominion Energy
I am your warm cup of coffee in the morning and I light your home at night. I am the cool breeze from your A/C on the hottest day in summer, and the red coil that heats your soup pot on a frigid winter's day. I am sustainable, reliable and affordable.
I am not just any energy... I am Dominion Energy.
We're transforming the way we do business to build a more sustainable future for the planet, our customers, our team and our industry. We're shaping the future of energy in America.
Join us!

Facts:
• 17,000 employees
• Headquarters: Richmond, VA
• 16 states in the US
• $100 billion of assets
• Nearly $35 million in charitable contributions
• 100,000+ volunteer hours recorded in the community
Our Commitment to NetZero by 2050
Dominion Energy is committed to helping address climate change. We have cut emissions sharply as we aim for Net Zero carbon and methane emissions by 2050. Learn more at sustainability.dominionenergy.com.

What Dominion Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Dominion Energy logo

About Dominion Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a leader in the clean energy transition, with a clear strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon and methane emissions. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, we're creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1983

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