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Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer VI

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$85K - $102K/yr

Nuclear Engineering Safety What You'll Do As a Facility safety engineer, you will work to fulfill an important regulatory function in a dynamic environment. Our facility safety engineers are ...

Nuclear Engineer VI

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$85K - $102K/yr

Nuclear Engineering Safety What You'll Do As a Facility safety engineer, you will work to fulfill an important regulatory function in a dynamic environment. Our facility safety engineers are ...

Principal Nuclear Engineer SME

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced nuclear engineering expertise to some of the nation's most challenging counterproliferation and nuclear survivability problems. The successful ...

Nuclear Engineer I - Fuels

Jupiter, FL ยท 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer V, Mechanical

Perry, OH ยท Remote

$115 - $178/hr

Nuclear Engineer V - Mechanical Type: Long-Term Contract Pay Rate: $115.00/hour Per Diem: $178/day Location: Nuclear facilities in Ohio Work Model: Remote then Onsite * Perry Plant - Perry, OH

Principal Nuclear Engineer SME

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced nuclear engineering expertise to some of the nation's most challenging counterproliferation and nuclear survivability problems. The successful ...

Nuclear Engineer, Core Physics

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Radiant's unique, practical approach to nuclear development leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory-built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials.

Nuclear Engineer V - Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Job Type: Contract Pay Rate: Up to $115/hour DOE Work Model: Onsite Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Position Overview System One is seeking ...

Nuclear Engineer I/II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

About the Role As a member of the nuclear engineering team, you will become the responsible engineer for a key component of the Antares reactor design such as reactivity controls and instrumentation ...

New

Nuclear Engineer - Safety Analysis

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$101K - $121K/yr

About the Job My client is a rapidly growing advanced energy and engineering technology company developing next-generation nuclear systems. As the organization continues to expand its reactor ...

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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.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Engineer jobs include:
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 VI

Nuclear Engineer VI

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN โ€ข On-site

$85K - $102K/yr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Spectra Tech has an immediate need for a Nuclear Safety Engineer in Oak Ridge, TN.
Job Specialty: Nuclear Engineering Safety
What You'll Do
As a Facility safety engineer, you will work to fulfill an important regulatory function in a dynamic environment. Our facility safety engineers are responsible for obtaining federal authorization to conduct nuclear operations for the UPF project at the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12). These operations, which support the manufacture of nuclear weapon components and naval reactor fuel stock, involve a wide range of activities including chemical processing, metal production, casting, machining, assembly and disassembly, transportation, and storage.
Facility safety engineers are responsible for evaluating accidents that could occur during operations (events ranging from process upsets and equipment failures to fires, earthquakes, and floods). Facility safety engineers also are responsible for identifying the safety measures that need to be implemented to ensure the workers and public are adequately protected. Those measures range from administrative controls, such as material inventory limits, to engineered controls, such as fire suppression systems. To fulfill those responsibilities, facility safety engineers must develop a working knowledge of UPF operations and federal nuclear safety requirements and work closely with subject matter experts representing Operations, Engineering, and numerous other UPF organizations.
Facility safety engineers routinely perform the following tasks:
โ€ข Conduct hazard evaluation studies and accident analyses
โ€ข Identify safety controls that ensure adequate protection of workers and the public
โ€ข Perform Unreviewed Safety Question Determinations to determine if federal approval is needed before making changes to operating procedures or facility equipment
โ€ข Evaluate operational events and new technical information to identify potential nuclear safety issues
โ€ข Maintain safety basis documentation for nuclear operations via development of document change notices and annual updates
โ€ข Support projects to design, install, and start up new capabilities and technologies
โ€ข Develop major modification determinations to identify requirements when making substantial changes to nuclear operations or nuclear facilities
โ€ข Brief federal counterparts on the safety posture of nuclear operations at UPF to include both the scope of hazards analyzed and the safety controls identified
What You Can Expect
โ€ข Challenging work and unique opportunities to support operations that are vital to national and global security
โ€ข High-performing and dedicated colleagues
โ€ข Generous pay and benefits within a stable organization
โ€ข Career advancement and professional development programs
โ€ข Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
Minimum Job Requirements
The position requires a minimum of a bachelor of science degree in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, or physics from a program accredited by the U.S. Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent programs as documented by the EAC ABET will also be considered.
In addition, the applicant must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2 (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1 year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2 alternative), if applicable. DOE 426.2 experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2)
Preferred Job Requirements
Preferred candidates have demonstrated an ability in developing, implementing, and maintaining safety basis documentation in accordance with 10 CFR 830, Nuclear Safety Management, and applicable DOE directives and standards.
Preferred candidates must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Notes
Requires a Q clearance; however, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.
Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10CFR 709. Medical requirements may apply