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Nuclear Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thea Energy

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

MS or PhD in nuclear engineering. * 15+ years of work experience in nuclear engineering or a similar technical field. * Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission ...

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How much do nuclear engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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.

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Thea Energy

Kearny, NJ • On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

About Thea Energy:
Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.
Position Overview:
Thea Energy is hiring for a Director - Nuclear Engineering to lead our nuclear engineering team. This role will orchestrate the nuclear design and safety parameters essential to our first-of-a-kind integrated fusion system. You will be responsible for effectively leading and managing the day-to-day nuclear engineering program. Your efforts will directly contribute to the organization's success by ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient nuclear designs. Thea Energy's dynamic team is made up of self-motivated individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems.
Key Responsibility Areas:
  • Lead and grow a world-class team of nuclear engineers working on the cutting edge of commercial fusion power technology.
  • Direct the nuclear design of fusion systems, including blanket, shield, bioshield, and fuel cycle.
  • Manage the nuclear aspects of the system facility, including tracking and engineering the cascade of high-energy particles, managing activation products, and calculating dose rates.
  • Interface all aspects of safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards for the fusion device and facility.
  • Build organizational capabilities by recruiting and retaining talent, mentoring, and fostering professional growth.
  • Proactively collaborate and communicate with engineering system owners to prioritize and align development and execution with design schedules.
  • Be accountable for the quality and accuracy of the team's nuclear engineering work, reports, and presentations.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
  • MS or PhD in nuclear engineering.
  • 15+ years of work experience in nuclear engineering or a similar technical field.
  • Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission reactor projects (e.g. small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, fast reactors, Gen-IV reactors) or accelerator projects.
  • Demonstrated experience thriving in a startup environment, with a track record of successfully building and managing teams.
  • Strong analytical skills and an understanding of the first principles of engineering.
  • A proven ability to motivate and catalyze teams into action through influence and strong leadership.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex business needs into technical solutions.

Company Benefits:
  • Salary range: $160,000-$230,000
  • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
  • Employee equity stock options
  • 20 days PTO

It's not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world's hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran's status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

About Thea Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Clean energy semiconductors manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Princeton, NJ, US

Year founded

2022

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