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Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Realta Fusion Inc.

Nuclear Engineer

Madison, WI

$99K - $118K/yr

This Nuclear Engineer will work with Realta's engineering and scientific teams to provide critical engineering and design input on Realta's technology development roadmap. The Nuclear Engineer will ...

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 ...

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 ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that the PWR-20 design meets radiation safety and accident dose requirements. Key Duties ...

Fuse

Nuclear Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a Nuclear Engineer with expertise in particle transportation, Monte Carlo simulation, and radiation shielding to support our fusion facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

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 ...

NextEra Energy

Nuclear Engineer I

Jupiter, FL · On-site

$91K - $110K/yr

Position Specific Description We are seeking a nuclear engineer to join our team at the Jupiter West Corporate office. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise in ...

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All JobsNuclear Engineer Jobs

Nuclear Engineer information

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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineer 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 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.

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Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer

Realta Fusion Inc.

Madison, WI

$99K - $118K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

This Nuclear Engineer will work with Realta's engineering and scientific teams to provide critical engineering and design input on Realta's technology development roadmap. The Nuclear Engineer will be a critical contributor to Anvil - Realta's reactor scale simple magnetic mirror and primary technology development platform - and Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant, HAMMiR.   

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time - tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity's most pressing problem.

Responsibilities 

  1. Setup and perform radiation transport and activation simulations of fusion devices and facilities, including Anvil.  
  2. Interface with science and engineering teams to aid design, development, and deployment of fusion devices. Support analysis of fusion products detector data on operating fusion energy systems.
  3. Support technical risk assessment activities, feasibility studies, and technology roadmap development. 
  4. Develop specifications for sub-systems and interact with external contractors in design and supply of components.  
  5. Support specification of Anvil diagnostics.
  6. Synthesize and present technical work internally and externally, communicate daily with project teams and leadership to support programmatic needs. 
  7. Contribute to the establishment of company safety standards. Support radiation licensing and regulatory applications.  
  8. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that aligns with the company's mission, values, and sustainability goals, promoting innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement. 

Qualifications 

  1. Education: BS + 3 year's experience in Nuclear Engineering or a related field. Advanced degree a plus. 

  2. Experience: Radiation transport modeling experience preferred. Familiarity with MCNP, OpenMC, DAGMC, MCBEND or similar.  Experience with fusion modeling preferred. 

  3. Ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and results-driven start-up environment. 

  4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, public presentation) to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders. 

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.  

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard... and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity's biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:

  • Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
  • Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin - one of America's most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.


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