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Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Nuclear Engineering Manager This is a technical and business development position within the Power Business Unit of Hatch. It provides an opportunity for professional growth to the selected ...

Senior Nuclear Engineering Manager This is a technical and business development position within the Power Business Unit of Hatch. It provides an opportunity for professional growth to the selected ...

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear to join our team in the United States. In the nuclear sector, we are busier than ever. Our teams are developing ...

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear to join our team in the United States. In the nuclear sector, we are busier than ever. Our teams are developing ...

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear to join our team in the United States. In the nuclear sector, we are busier than ever. Our teams are developing ...

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Nuclear Geotechnical Engineer in any of our offices in the United States . The work will primarily consist of the practice of geotechnical ...

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Nuclear Engineer information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$25.4K

$103.1K

$146.4K

How much do nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineer in Decatur, GA is $103,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $115,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary around $120,000, with top earners in senior positions or with extensive experience reaching salaries close to $200,000. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and would generally require advanced roles, management positions, or specialized expertise in high-demand areas within the nuclear industry.

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.

Can nuclear engineers make 200k?

Nuclear engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in the industry. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and specialization, with senior positions and those working in high-demand areas typically earning higher wages.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced nuclear engineers working in senior roles, such as nuclear plant managers or specialized consultants, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in nuclear safety, operations, or research.

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 are nuclear engineers?

Nuclear engineers are professionals who research, design, operate, and maintain systems and processes that involve nuclear energy and radiation. They often work on developing nuclear power plants, medical diagnostic equipment, or radiation safety protocols. Their responsibilities include ensuring the safe use of nuclear materials, troubleshooting problems, and improving efficiency and safety measures in nuclear technology. Nuclear engineers play a critical role in both energy production and medical applications. They typically work for government agencies, research institutions, or private energy companies.

What Is a Nuclear Engineer?

As a nuclear engineer, you work in a nuclear power facility or research facility to design instruments and processes that make it easier to draw energy from nuclear material. You may also come up with new reactor designs that use different types of materials. A nuclear engineer does not always work on equipment for power plants; sometimes you work to create technology like new medical measuring devices. A nuclear engineer can also work on propulsion systems like those in nuclear-powered military vessels.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Engineer jobs in Decatur, GA? For Nuclear Engineer jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Nuclear Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,095 per year, or $49.6 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 375 rated engineering


Job description

Description
WORK LOCATION: This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week at the Sargent & Lundy office in Peachtree Corners, GA.
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
  • Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
  • Lead engineering project teams

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • 5 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of power plants
  • PE license is preferred

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
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.

Award-Winning Benefits
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

Compensation Range
$84,762 - $129,498
Transparency Statement
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.
About This Business Unit
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!
Equal Opportunity
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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