1

Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field * 3-5 years of experience in a technical engineering role within a regulated or ...

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field * 3-5 years of experience in a technical engineering role within a regulated or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Engineering information

See Tennessee salary details

$23.6K

$95.8K

$136.1K

How much do nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering in Tennessee is $95,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $107,100.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee? For Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Nuclear Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering job openings in Tennessee 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 $95,839 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN โ€ข On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Nuclear Engineer is responsible for identifying, engaging, and hiring high-quality talent to support Standard Nuclear's engineering, manufacturing, and operational growth. This role partners closely with hiring managers to understand technical requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and manage candidates through the full recruiting lifecycle.
This is a hands-on recruiting role focused on building pipelines for specialized technical positions in a competitive market. The Technical Recruiter will proactively source candidates, assess qualifications, and drive hiring processes from initial outreach through offer acceptance. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to represent the company effectively to candidates.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Radiation Transport & Reactor Physics Analysis
  • Develop, run, and validate radiation transport and reactor physics models using industry-standard tools such as SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or equivalent software.
  • Perform neutronics, shielding, dose, and activation analyses to support system design and safety evaluations.
  • Interpret simulation results and provide engineering recommendations to inform design decisions.

Criticality Safety & Fuel Manufacturing Support
  • Conduct criticality safety calculations and analyses for advanced fuel manufacturing modules and material handling scenarios.
  • Support development and review of safety analyses related to fissile material processing and fuel fabrication.
  • 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 systems, including propulsion and power applications, through detailed simulation and analysis.
  • Assess system performance, margins, and safety characteristics under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
  • Contribute analytical support to early-stage design trades and technology development efforts.

Technical Documentation & Communication
  • Prepare clear, well-structured technical reports, analyses, and presentations to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support preparation of safety documentation, design reviews, and technical briefings.
  • Maintain organized records of models, assumptions, inputs, and results.

Quality, Safety & Collaboration
  • Perform work in accordance with applicable quality assurance, configuration control, and procedural requirements.
  • Support continuous improvement of modeling practices and analytical workflows.
  • Work in compliance with radiological safety protocols and support operations in radiological environments as required.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and safety teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Technical Background
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience & Skills
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing radiation transport and reactor physics models using SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or similar tools.
  • Hands-on experience performing criticality safety calculations and analyses.
  • Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for model automation, post-processing, or workflow support.
  • Strong technical writing skills with experience producing engineering reports and presentations.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Experience (Preferred)
  • Advanced knowledge of nuclear fuels, materials, or fuel manufacturing processes.
  • Experience supporting nuclear system design, fuel qualification, or reactor performance evaluations.
  • Familiarity with quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies in nuclear or regulated environments.
  • Prior experience working in radiological facilities or controlled environments.

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is based at Standard Nuclear's Pilot Fuel Manufacturing Facility in Oak Ridge, TN.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The position involves office-based analytical work as well as interaction with laboratory, manufacturing, and radiological environments. Occasional travel may be required. All work will be performed in accordance with applicable safety, radiological protection, and quality requirements. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
. Department of State.