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Nuclear Energy Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

AECOM's Energy practice provides a wide range of services from consulting and engineering design to ... Nuclear project experience * +15 Years of relevant experience, power generation or heavy industrial

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AECOM's Energy practice provides a wide range of services from consulting and engineering design to ... Nuclear project experience * +15 Years of relevant experience, power generation or heavy industrial

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Nuclear Energy information

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$18

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$75

How much do nuclear energy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear energy in Raleigh, NC is $50.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.08 and $60.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the nuclear energy sector?

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.

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.

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.

Is nuclear energy a good career path?

Nuclear energy offers a stable career with opportunities in reactor operation, engineering, and safety analysis, often requiring specialized training and certifications. The industry emphasizes safety protocols and technical skills, and jobs can involve shift work in power plants or research facilities. It is considered a viable career for those interested in science, engineering, and energy production.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Nuclear Energy jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Nuclear Energy job openings:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Energy job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,949 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Cary, NC • Hybrid

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:

  • Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
  • Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems
  • Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
  • Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors
  • Development of P&ID’s and System Design Descriptions
  • Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers
  • Support station outage activities as required 

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • A BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program

  • 5 or more years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
  • Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
  • Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
  • Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$84,762 - $129,498
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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