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Nuclear Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Nuclear Surety Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

Ensure adherence to Nuclear Safety, Range Safety, and Personnel Safety requirements and best ... Bachelor's (with 8-10 years of experience), Master's degree (with 6-8 years of experience), or PhD ...

SimIS Inc.

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... • PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or related discipline from an accredited university in a technical field with six (6) years of experience PRIMARY DUTIES ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Nuclear Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

PhD strongly preferred. * Experience: 15+ years of experience in nuclear engineering, including senior technical leadership responsibilities. * Demonstrated experience building, mentoring, and ...

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Nuclear Engineer Phd information

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$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineer phd in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Nuclear Engineer with a PhD do?

A Nuclear Engineer with a PhD typically conducts advanced research and development in nuclear technology, including reactor design, nuclear fuel cycles, radiation safety, and waste management. They may work in academia, government laboratories, or private industry, often leading research teams or projects. Their expertise is used to solve complex problems, develop new technologies, and ensure the safe and efficient use of nuclear energy. Many also publish scientific papers and contribute to the advancement of nuclear engineering as a field.

What are some typical projects or research areas a Nuclear Engineer with a PhD might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Nuclear Engineers with a PhD often engage in advanced research projects such as reactor design improvements, nuclear fuel cycle innovation, radiation protection, or nuclear waste management. These professionals frequently collaborate with physicists, materials scientists, safety analysts, and regulatory experts to address complex challenges. The work environment tends to be highly collaborative, requiring regular communication to integrate findings from different specialties and ensure project success. This multidisciplinary approach not only broadens your technical expertise but also provides valuable experience for future leadership or academic roles.

What is the difference between Nuclear Engineer Phd vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectNuclear Engineer PhdNuclear Engineer
EducationDoctoral degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, advanced R&D projectsPower plants, manufacturing, industry facilities
CertificationsOptional advanced certifications, research credentialsProfessional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Typical RolesResearch, teaching, high-level R&D, policy developmentDesign, operation, safety analysis of nuclear systems

While Nuclear Engineer Phd professionals focus on research, teaching, and advanced development, Nuclear Engineers typically work in operational and design roles within industry. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Phd emphasizes academic and research expertise, whereas the standard Nuclear Engineer is more industry-oriented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Engineer PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Engineer PhD, you need advanced knowledge in nuclear physics, reactor design, and radiation safety, supported by a doctoral degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software like MCNP or SCALE, as well as relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in research and collaborative projects. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, innovation, and compliance in the highly regulated and technically complex nuclear industry.
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - ConOps / Readiness SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

North Las Vegas, NV • On-site

$137K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

THIS POSITION IS AT SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, AND IS 100% ON-SITE.

  • Please note that this is considered a "local hire" position that does not provide relocation support.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a highly qualified engineer with National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) experience for the position of ConOps/Readiness Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) Environmental Safety & Health (ES&H) Planning Department.

This is a highly compensated, long-term, on-site position at the SNL facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a full-time GET employee with benefits.

Work is performed onsite at the following locations:

  • The primary work location is 2301 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  • Work will also require local travel to the SNL facility on Kirtland AFB (also located in Albuquerque)
  • Travel to the SNL facility in Livermore, California, or other remote sites may be required on occasion

Compensation Range: $137,500 - $160,000/Year (depending on experience and qualifications)

Requirements

Citizenship and Security Clearance Requirements

  • Applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America
  • Applicant must hold a current DOD Top Secret or DOE Q security clearance

Educational and Experience Requirements

THIS IS NOT A JUNIOR POSITION - Applicant must meet one of the following combinations of academics and experience:

  • PhD degree in science or engineering discipline and a minimum of two (2) years ES&H-related experience
  • MS degree in science or engineering discipline and a minimum of four (4) years ES&H-related experience
  • BS degree in science and engineering and a minimum of six (6) years ES&H-related experience
  • Or 10+ years of ES&H-related experience

Required Qualifications

  • DOE O 422.1 CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS - Thorough knowledge of the requirements for establishing and implementing Conduct of Operations Programs at the Department of Energy (DOE), including National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facilities and projects.
  • DOE O 425.1 VERIFICATION OF READINESS TO START UP OR RESTART NUCLEAR FACILITIES - Thorough knowledge of the requirements for verifying readiness for startup of new hazard category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, activities, and operations, and for the restart of existing hazard category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, activities, and operations that have been shut down.

Desired Qualifications

Although training is available at SNL for the subjects found below, knowledge and experience relating to any of the following is highly sought after:

  • DOE O 420.1 FACILITY SAFETY
  • Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) process for nuclear facilities
  • Independent Verification Review (IVR) of new or revised Safety Basis
  • ConOps Training (e.g., FOO-200)
  • QA assistance (e.g., Management Self-Assessment (MSA) and/or Lead Assessor)

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical plan options with UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.