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Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer I/II/Sr. or Pr.

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$102K - $123K/yr

A background in Nuclear Engineering with exceptional problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills is preferred for this position. Individuals in this position may also provide technical ...

Nuclear Engineer

Kasson, MN

$99K - $119K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Brooklyn Park, MN

$102K - $123K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Grand Rapids, MN

$93K - $111K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Nicollet, MN

$97K - $116K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Medford, MN

$100K - $120K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Henning, MN

$97K - $116K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Richmond, MN

$94K - $113K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Plymouth, MN

$104K - $124K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Dayton, MN

$103K - $124K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Keewatin, MN

$97K - $116K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Rockville, MN

$96K - $116K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Evansville, MN

$92K - $111K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lilydale, MN

$99K - $119K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Engineering information

See Minnesota salary details

$25.5K

$103.4K

$146.9K

How much do nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering in Minnesota is $103,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $115,600.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Engineering jobs in Minnesota? For Nuclear Engineering jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Nuclear Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,420 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
Nuclear Engineer I/II/Sr. or Pr.

Nuclear Engineer I/II/Sr. or Pr.

Xcel Energy

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$102K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 52 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
Responsible for performing a variety of nuclear fuels engineering tasks in the areas of reload core design, reload licensing analyses, and in-core fuel management in support of BWR plant operation. A background in Nuclear Engineering with exceptional problem solving, communication, and teamwork skills is preferred for this position. Individuals in this position may also provide technical guidance and direction to consultants or other Xcel employees in support of in-plant activities and producing high quality, timely and cost-effective engineering solutions to technical problems.
This position will be considered for the corporate office located in Minneapolis, MN.
Primary Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Perform reload core / bundle design, reload licensing, in-core fuel management, and analyses supporting fuel reliability and performance of nuclear fuel.
  • Perform and coordinate engineering assignments in support of the cycle reload project. These activities include reload fuel and core design, in-house and vendor reload licensing analyses, license amendment preparation, Core Monitoring System input preparation, and Startup Physics analyses. Work alone or as part of a project team. Schedule work to meet completion dates and technical requirements
  • Recommend changes in procedures, analysis methods, design, or equipment. Work activities may include on-site support of fuel inspections, fuel and control blade manufacturing oversight, or other special studies as appropriate.
  • Apply sound engineering principles to provide technically correct, timely and cost-effective recommendations.
  • Review and approve design work completed by contractors and/or other engineers and be a key interface with other groups, both internal and external to Xcel Energy.
  • Work effectively in a team environment, as a team leader, mentor, and as a team member.
  • Understand and practice company safety and industrial hygiene policies during the conduct of such activities as core verification, irradiated fuel inspection, and manufacturing oversight.
  • Clearly communicate technical and complex nuclear fuel related topics orally and in writing to all levels of management. This includes collaborating with management to define issues and needs as well as developing and recommending improvement and corrective actions.
  • Participate in Xcel Energy Emergency Response Organization, refueling outages (including irradiated fuel inspections and fuel maintenance), and vendor oversight activities, as assigned

Minimum Requirements
Engineer I
Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 0-2 years of experience. Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 690 minutes from the nuclear generation station. Required to maintain nuclear "fitness for duty" during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Incumbents must demonstrate satisfactory performance and progress in learning the skills and competencies to be an engineer in the nuclear utility business.
Engineer II
Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 2 years' experience. Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 90 minutes from the nuclear generation station. May be required to maintain fitness for duty during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Incumbents must demonstrate satisfactory performance and progress in learning the skills and competencies to be an engineer at a career level in the nuclear utility business.
Engineer
Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 6 years of engineering experience with satisfactory performance in nuclear generating plant operations and or maintenance processes is required; equivalent electrical power plant experience industrial, naval or Outreach Engineering Management (OEM) is acceptable in lieu of nuclear generation experience. Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required to assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 90 minutes from the nuclear generation station. Required to maintain nuclear "fitness for duty" during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Preferred Professional Engineer (PE) license. Advance degree (in engineering or other related technical field).
Sr. Engineer
Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related technical field from an ABET accredited college or university. 8 or more years engineering experience with satisfactory performance and demonstrated expertise in problem solving in nuclear generating plants accompanied by demonstrated expertise in at least one engineering discipline area is required; (note: equivalent years of engineering experience in electrical power plant experience industrial, naval or Outreach Engineering Management (OEM) may be considered in lieu of up to one half of nuclear generation experience). Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Company's nuclear power plants is an essential requirement of the position. May be required to assume emergency response duties and live within 60 or 90 minutes from the nuclear generation station. Required to maintain nuclear "fitness for duty" during off hours if on call or designated emergency response duty. Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license. Advanced degree (in engineering or other related technical field).
Preferred Qualifications
  • At least three years of experience and improving performance in an entry level position.
  • BWR core design experience preferred.
  • PC skills are required in the performance of daily work activities. Proficiency with linux, scripting, and programming is desired. Previous experience using CASMO-SIMULATE.
  • A working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards, as they pertain to the area of nuclear fuel engineering, is also desirable.
  • M.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering is preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, exhibit sound judgment, strong leadership, and assertiveness to resolve issues. Flexibility with changing priorities and changing ways of doing business.
  • Demonstrated initiative, problem analysis, and problem-solving skills.
  • Engineer in Training Certificate or Professional Engineer License

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $77,500.00 to $189,567.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 07/30/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909