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Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Nuclear Engineer LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award . Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken ...

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Scientific Support) LCAT: Mid Location: Reston, VA Clearance: TS/SCI or Q clearance. CI poly required; those with active CI polys will have preference. Required experience: 3+ years ...

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Scientific Support) LCAT: Mid Location: Reston, VA Clearance: TS/SCI or Q clearance. CI poly required; those with active CI polys will have preference. Required experience: 3+ years ...

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Nuclear Engineer LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia This position is contingent upon award. Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken ...

Leidos

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

In this role, you will apply advanced nuclear engineering principles in support of counterproliferation efforts and nuclear survivability (hardness) system design. Responsibilities include conducting ...

Leidos

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA

$102K - $122K/yr

In this role, you will apply advanced nuclear engineering principles in support of counterproliferation efforts and nuclear survivability (hardness) system design. Responsibilities include conducting ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Nokesville, VA

$93K - $112K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Prescient Edge

Mid Nuclear Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$101K - $121K/yr

Job Title Mid Nuclear Engineer Location Reston, VA 20170 US (Primary) Category Intelligence Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Bachelor's Degree Travel Security Clearance Required TS/SCI ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Marshall, VA

$91K - $110K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Damascus, MD

$104K - $124K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Darnestown, MD

$98K - $117K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Montclair, VA

$99K - $118K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cloverly, MD

$96K - $116K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cheverly, MD

$98K - $118K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Oakton, VA

$99K - $119K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Vienna, VA

$98K - $118K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsNuclear Engineer JobsNuclear Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Nuclear Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$27K

$109.9K

$156.1K

How much do nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineer in Reston, VA is $109,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $122,800.00 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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior nuclear engineer with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn around $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives, and typically requires working in a high-responsibility environment with advanced technical expertise.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Senior nuclear engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with working in specialized facilities, managing large projects, or holding executive-level positions 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 reaching or exceeding this level.

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.

More about Nuclear Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Nuclear Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Nuclear Engineer job openings:
Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,856 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Nalley Consulting

Reston, VA • On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position: Nuclear Engineer 
LCAT: Senior
Location: Reston, Virginia
This position is contingent upon award.
Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the past seven years will be prioritized.
Required experience: At least 11 years
Required education (Senior): Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics, 11+ years of experience
Desired certification: Professional Engineering
Description
Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for functional characterization of WMD facilities and their associated design.
Join us as a Nuclear Engineer and become a key player in characterizing large-scale and small-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in reverse engineering structural processes, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The successful candidate will:
  • Have knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering.
  • Oversee and manage teams conducting analysis of underground WMD facilities and targets including nuclear reactors, reprocessing facilities, storage and related infrastructure.
  • Conduct vulnerability analyses and assessments to determine defeat options.
  • Experience with engineering research, reverse engineering analysis or characterizations, and facility and vulnerability assessments on foreign nuclear capabilities.
  • Characterize the structure of WMD facilities, some of which are clandestine
  • Spearhead projects from vision to reality, delivering on time and within budget
  • Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors
  • Present compelling project reports and updates to stakeholders
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics
  • 11+ years relevant experience
  • Knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior-level government representatives
  • Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results
  • Practical experience in WMD analysis
  • Understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or missile programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce and comply with IC tradecraft standards.
Other desired skills:
  • Professional Engineering Certification.
  • Demonstrated ability writing ICD 203 and ICD 206-compliant finished intelligence production.
  • 15 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems.
  • Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities.
  • Experience conducting analyses of hard and deeply buried underground facilities.
  • Experience examining seismic, electrical, or electromagnetics data to characterize underground facilities and hard and deeply buried targets.
  • Demonstrate in-depth analysis of analytic operations and knowledge management issues across organizational and intra-IC boundaries and clearly articulates key findings.

 

ABOUT NALLEY CONSULTING

Nalley Consulting is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business working with prime partners to staff Department of Defense and Intelligence Community positions. Created by a U.S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in several states.

Nalley Consulting fringe benefits include:

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • PTO
  • 11 paid federal holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Paid military-reserve leave
  • Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
  • 401k matching up to 5 percent of the base salary
  • Flex time
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

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