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Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Nuclear Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$24.4K

$99.2K

$140.9K

How much do nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineer in Iowa is $99,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,500.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear physics, engineering principles, mathematics, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation software, radiation detection tools, and adherence to regulatory certifications such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in complex, safety-critical environments. These competencies are essential to ensure safe nuclear operations, regulatory compliance, and innovative solutions in energy or medical applications.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear engineers in ensuring safety and regulatory compliance?

Nuclear engineers often encounter the challenge of navigating complex safety protocols and strict regulatory requirements to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities. This involves staying current with evolving regulations, conducting thorough risk assessments, and collaborating closely with safety inspectors and governmental agencies. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as even minor oversights can have significant consequences. Proactively addressing these challenges is an integral part of the role and helps maintain both public safety and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectNuclear EngineerNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related field; often advanced degrees for specializationAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee nuclear systems; work in offices, labs, or plant control roomsAssist in operation and maintenance of nuclear equipment; work directly in nuclear plants or labs
Industry UsageDesigning reactors, safety systems, and research projectsMonitoring plant operations, conducting tests, and supporting technical tasks

While both roles are vital in the nuclear industry, Nuclear Engineers focus on designing and developing nuclear systems, requiring higher education and analytical skills. Nuclear Technicians support these systems through hands-on operational tasks, often with technical certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What jobs can nuclear engineers do?

Nuclear engineers design, develop, and oversee nuclear systems used for energy production, medical applications, and research. They work in power plants, research facilities, government agencies, and private industry, often requiring knowledge of radiation safety, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics. Certification and security clearances may be necessary for certain positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,181 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Nuclear Electrical Engineer - Senior

Palo, IA

$105K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


NextEra Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

NextEra Energy Resources is one of America's largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!


 

Position Specific Description

Be part of history as we restart Duane Arnold Energy Center. In this seniorlevel role, you will apply your electrical engineering expertise to unprecedented technical challenges involving plant restoration, system recommissioning, and operational readiness. Your engineering expertise will drive critical decisions related to electrical power and control systems and equipment, regulatory compliance, and design modifications that support both the restart effort and longterm plant operation.  This is a longterm role within the operating organization. You will collaborate closely with crossfunctional teams and provide technical consultation to leadership during restart activities and throughout the operating life of the plant. This is engineering at its most impactful-powering Iowa's clean energy future through innovation and technical excellence.

To be successful in this role, you may also bring:
  • Seniorlevel electrical engineering experience supporting commercial power generation facilities
  • Experience with electrical distribution systems, electric motors and drive systems, DC systems and Uninterruptible power, cable systems, and protection and control of electrical equipment
  • Familiarity with electrical system analysis, including load flow and shortcircuit studies; experience with ETAP or similar tools is a plus
  • Experience working in licensed commercial nuclear power generation with established regulatory and configuration control processes
Job Overview

This job is responsible for performing engineering activities that support projects and operations across the nuclear business. Employees in this role apply broad nuclear plant engineering experience and principles to make decisions and recommendations. Individuals work with independence and have wide latitude to exercise judgment over technical solution development.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs highly complex engineering tasks that require knowledge and experience with nuclear industry standards and regulations
  • Leads discussions in a group setting to resolve problems or coordinate design production
  • Applies nuclear industry standards and regulations to solve new problems and address situations
  • Serves as technical liaison within the nuclear business unit
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's - Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • Experience: 5+ years
  • Nuclear Experience: 0+ years
Preferred Qualifications
  • None
Special Requirements

Nuclear Specific Requirements:

  • None

NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members. Click here to learn more.

Employee Group:  Exempt
Employee Type:  Full Time
Job Category:  Engineering
Organization:  NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC 
Relocation Provided:  Yes, if applicable

NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. 

NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to recruiting-coordinator.sharedmailbox@nexteraenergy.com, providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you. 

NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.

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