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Nuclear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

Thea Energy is hiring for a Director - Nuclear Engineering to lead our nuclear engineering team. This role will orchestrate the nuclear design and safety parameters essential to our first-of-a-kind ...

Manager, Nuclear Engineering

Everett, WA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

You will lead the Nuclear Engineering team that comprises neutronics, nuclear diagnostics and general nuclear engineering. You will report to the Director of Plasma and Nuclear Science team in this ...

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

Thea Energy is hiring for a Director - Nuclear Engineering to lead our nuclear engineering team. This role will orchestrate the nuclear design and safety parameters essential to our first-of-a-kind ...

As the Director of Nuclear Engineering , you will lead and grow Xcimer's Nuclear Engineering discipline, ensuring the company applies rigorous nuclear engineering practices across all programs ...

Nuclear Engineer

$63K - $111K/yr

Utilize process and nuclear engineering theories and practices, and company procedures in daily work. * Use CAE (computer aided engineering) and CAD (computer aided design) applications. * Performs a ...

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate criticality safety requirements into process design. Advanced Nuclear Systems Analysis * Support modeling and evaluation of advanced ...

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$94K - $112K/yr

Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate criticality safety requirements into process design. Advanced Nuclear Systems Analysis * Support modeling and evaluation of advanced ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety, accident dose consequence, reactor physics modeling and design, transient analysis, and radiation detection.

The Nuclear Engineering Supervisor leads a team of engineers supporting critical nuclear valve and product engineering activities in Mansfield, MA. This role is responsible for overseeing engineering ...

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Nuclear Engineering information

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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering 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.

Do nuclear engineers get paid well?

Nuclear engineers typically earn higher-than-average salaries due to the specialized skills and safety requirements involved in their work. According to industry data, the median annual wage is above the national average, with salaries increasing with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors such as energy and defense.

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

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary around $120,000, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching salaries close to $200,000. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and usually requires senior positions, management roles, or working in high-paying industries or locations with premium compensation packages.

What jobs can a nuclear engineer get?

A nuclear engineer can work in power plant design and operation, nuclear safety analysis, radiation protection, and research and development. They often work in environments such as nuclear power plants, government agencies, or private industry, utilizing skills in reactor physics, thermodynamics, and safety protocols. Certification and knowledge of regulatory standards are important for many roles.

What are the common career advancement opportunities for nuclear engineers?

Nuclear engineers typically start their careers in entry-level engineering roles focused on system analysis, reactor operation, or project design. With experience, they may advance to supervisory positions, project management, or specialized roles such as reactor licensing and safety analysis. Many nuclear engineers also pursue advanced certifications or graduate degrees to move into research, policy, or senior technical leadership positions. Career progression often depends on technical expertise, leadership abilities, and staying current with industry regulations and advancements.

What engineers make $500,000?

In nuclear engineering, senior-level professionals such as nuclear project managers, senior reactor engineers, or specialists with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or with bonuses and profit sharing. These roles typically require advanced degrees, significant expertise, and often involve leadership or specialized technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nuclear Engineering position, and why are they important?

Nuclear engineers typically require a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of physics, mathematics, and safety protocols. Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software, reactor simulation tools, and familiarity with NRC regulations or a Professional Engineering (PE) license are often needed. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in multidisciplinary project environments. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and development of nuclear systems.

What is a Nuclear Engineering job?

A Nuclear Engineering job involves the research, design, development, and maintenance of nuclear systems, including reactors, power plants, and radiation applications. Nuclear engineers ensure the safe and efficient use of nuclear energy and radiation in power generation, medical treatments, and industrial applications. They work on reactor safety, radiation shielding, nuclear fuel management, and compliance with regulatory standards. Many nuclear engineers are employed in energy production, while others contribute to medicine, space exploration, and national defense.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Chairperson, Nuclear Engineering

Chairperson, Nuclear Engineering

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

$95K - $114K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of New Mexico School of Engineering seeks a visionary and collaborative leader who can guide the Nuclear Engineering (NE) department to a higher level of excellence. The NE Chair will report directly to the Dean and be an integral and vital part of the School's leadership team. As the department's academic and administrative leader, the NE Chair is responsible for all education, faculty, research, and service activities across Nuclear Engineering.

The Chair oversees the department's operations and budget, manages resources strategically and responsibly, and works with the Dean to encourage philanthropic engagement and support.


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