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Nuclear Energy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Nuclear Energy Reports to: Program Director, Nuclear Energy Type: Full-time Location: Remote, preference for someone living in the Washington, D.C. area ABOUT CATF Clean Air Task Force ...

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many ...

Senior Licensing Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$150K - $173K/yr

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many ...

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Nuclear Energy information

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How much do nuclear energy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear energy 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 are some common challenges faced when working on a nuclear energy team, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in nuclear energy often encounter challenges related to strict safety standards, complex regulatory requirements, and the need for precise teamwork. Adhering to rigorous protocols is essential to ensure the safety of both personnel and the environment. Teams typically address these challenges through continuous training, clear communication, and regular safety drills. Collaboration across engineering, operations, and compliance departments is key to identifying and resolving potential issues proactively, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant can be competitive and requires relevant education, such as a degree in nuclear engineering or related fields, along with specialized training and certifications like NRC licensing. Candidates often need to pass background checks, health screenings, and security clearances, and some roles require prior experience in the energy or engineering sectors.

What are some careers in nuclear energy?

Careers in nuclear energy include nuclear engineers, reactor operators, health physicists, nuclear technicians, and radiation safety specialists. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of nuclear systems, safety protocols, and radiation protection. Professionals in this field work in power plants, research facilities, and regulatory agencies to ensure safe and efficient nuclear operations.

Do nuclear energy jobs pay well?

Nuclear energy jobs typically offer competitive salaries due to the specialized skills and safety requirements involved. Positions such as nuclear engineers and technicians often have above-average pay, especially with relevant certifications and experience. Salary levels can vary based on location, education, and level of responsibility.

What are nuclear energy jobs?

Nuclear energy jobs encompass a wide range of roles involved in the generation, management, and regulation of energy produced from nuclear reactions. These positions include nuclear engineers, reactor operators, health physicists, nuclear technicians, and safety inspectors, among others. Professionals in this field work on the design, operation, and maintenance of nuclear power plants, as well as ensuring regulatory compliance and safety. Careers in nuclear energy require specialized education and training, often in engineering, physics, or related sciences. The industry prioritizes safety and innovation, making it a critical component of the global energy sector.

What is the difference between Nuclear Energy vs Nuclear Power Plant Operator?

AspectNuclear EnergyNuclear Power Plant Operator
Primary FocusUnderstanding and developing nuclear energy sources and technologiesOperating and monitoring nuclear reactors in power plants
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, nuclear certificationsTraining in reactor operation, licensing, and safety protocols
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, energy companies, government agenciesNuclear power plants, control rooms
Industry UsageEnergy production, research, policy developmentDay-to-day reactor operation and safety management

While nuclear energy involves the broader development and understanding of nuclear power sources, nuclear power plant operators focus specifically on running and maintaining nuclear reactors within power plants. Both roles require specialized training and certifications, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

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

To thrive in the nuclear energy sector, you need a solid background in engineering, physics, or nuclear technology, typically supported by a relevant degree and, in some roles, specific licensing or certification. Familiarity with reactor control systems, radiation monitoring tools, and safety protocols is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are vital to maintaining safety standards, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability in the highly regulated nuclear industry.

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 reactor management or research. While some senior nuclear engineers in certain regions or industries may reach or exceed $500,000 annually, the average salary is typically lower, around $100,000 to $150,000. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires significant experience, leadership positions, or working in high-paying sectors or locations.
More about Nuclear Energy jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Energy jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Energy job openings:
What states have the most Nuclear Energy jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Energy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Energy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
U.S. Director, Nuclear Energy

$144K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position Title: U.S. Director, Nuclear Energy
Reports to: Program Director, Nuclear Energy
Type: Full-time
Location: Remote, preference for someone living in the Washington, D.C. area
ABOUT CATF
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organisation working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalysing the rapid global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. This is accomplished through research and analysis, public advocacy leadership, and partnership with the private sector. CATF is highly respected for its deep expertise and research on energy and industrial systems and potential strategies, technologies, and policies that can radically shrink their impact on the planet's atmosphere. Our team of experts and advocates (and global network of subject matter experts and civil society partners) put this research and knowledge into action by designing and enacting public policies that drive toward zero emissions. We also support policies and work directly with private industry to innovate in technology to make the path to zero emissions swift and affordable. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.
ROLE
CATF is seeking an experienced and dynamic U.S. Director to join our Nuclear Energy Program. Reporting to the Program Director and managing a U.S. based senior policy manager, this individual will serve as an in-house subject matter expert in nuclear energy policy, with a focus on U.S federal and state advocacy, commercial nuclear energy industry, federal and state policy to support nuclear energy scaling, market dynamics, and regulatory ecosystems. The U.S. Director will support CATF's nuclear energy strategy through policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, project implementation, and outreach efforts, with an emphasis on advancing nuclear energy deployment in the U.S.
Key Functions and Responsibilities:
Nuclear policy and regulatory expertise
• Serve as the in-house expert on nuclear policy, advocacy and related topics, particularly focused on the U.S. state and federal policy and regulatory ecosystems.
• Identify, synthesize, and communicate key technical and economic trends across the U.S. nuclear energy sector, including industry players, government organizations, and regional markets.
• Lead and manage policy research on nuclear energy technologies, delivering informed analysis regarding their contribution to U.S. climate and energy objectives.
• Collaborate with CATF's global nuclear fission energy team and multiple external stakeholders, engage in knowledge sharing and best practices.
Stakeholder engagement and outreach
• Collaborate closely with the U.S. Advocacy team (federal, state, policy impact, and legal) on policy and advocacy activities related to nuclear energy, ensuring that CATF's federal and state policy priorities are reflected in implementation strategies and campaigns.
• Proactively engage external stakeholders, including federal and state policymakers, industry leaders, and NGOs, to drive policy and advocacy activities aligned with CATF's nuclear energy strategy, projects, and initiatives in liaison with the U.S. Advocacy Team.
• Lead outreach efforts to promote advanced nuclear technologies, coordinating efforts with U.S. government organizations, industry groups, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions in coordination with the Director for Nuclear Energy.
• Serve as spokesperson on U.S. nuclear energy policy matters, representing CATF at high-level meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Engage with state-level policy and regulatory bodies to support regional nuclear energy deployment initiatives.
Project management and implementation
• Develop and execute detailed work plans to ensure the successful implementation of U.S. nuclear energy strategy within CATF's broader strategy
• Lead hands-on execution of outreach, policy initiatives, and project implementation efforts that promote advanced nuclear technologies as part of the U.S. energy transition.
• Oversee and produce relevant analyses and materials such as blogs, op-eds, factsheets and short white papers.
• Oversee policy and analytical consultants as necessary.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with CATF teams to ensure U.S. nuclear energy initiatives are aligned with the organization's goals and contribute to decarbonization efforts.
Commercial awareness
• Maintain commercial awareness of U.S. nuclear energy market developments and ensure CATF's activities are aligned with the evolving needs of the U.S. nuclear energy industry.
Leadership and collaboration
• Provide strategic leadership in advancing nuclear energy initiatives in the U.S., reporting to and working closely with the U.S. Senior Manager and Director of Nuclear Energy.
• Lead the U.S. nuclear energy program team, including managerial oversight of one employee.
• Closely collaborate across the nuclear energy program team, in particular with the U.S. Senior Manager and Director of Nuclear Energy, as well as external partner organizations.
• Cross-collaborate effectively in a matrix organization such as with communications, other programs, and cross-functional teams.
• Engage in regular travel within the U.S. and periodic international travel to meet with stakeholders, attend industry events, and advocate for nuclear energy solutions.
• Coach and collaborate with junior staff, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative work environment across CATF teams.
• Ensure that U.S.-focused program activities are cost-effective and aligned with CATF's budget.
Skills/Qualifications:
• Knowledge of congressional and legislative processes and procedures.
• Senior experience in the U.S. energy sector, with a strong focus on policy development and implementation, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Extensive knowledge of energy industry, and policy and regulatory ecosystems, along with an established network in the sector.
• Technical expertise is a plus but not required.
• Ability to identify and communicate complex policy and regulatory trends across the U.S. nuclear energy sector.
• Experience in driving federal and state policy and advocacy initiatives, engaging with government organizations and other stakeholders at the highest levels.
• Experience leading a team, including management of resources, prioritizing employee growth development, and leading a team to deliver effective results.
• Experience working across teams to ensure coordinated efforts on policy implementation.
• Can do, positive and hands-on attitude in line with CATF core values of persistence, collaboration, and curiosity.
• International experience a plus.
• Advanced degree (e.g., Master's, J.D. or Ph.D.) in energy policy, political science, government affairs, communications, or a related field.
• Passion for CATF's mission.
Compensation and Location:
This is a full-time, remote position located in the Washington D.C. area with the expectation of being available to meet external stakeholders in D.C. as needed (approx. 1-2 times per week). CATF offers an excellent benefits package and an annual salary range of $144,863 - $185,000, depending on experience.
CATF provides equal employment opportunities.